Aussies not surprised by India declaration

Australia opener Aaron Finch says most captains would have made exactly the same decision as Virat Kohli when it came to a first-innings declaration at the MCG.

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Australian batsman Aaron Finch wasn't surprised by India's declaration on Thursday. (AAP)

Aaron Finch wasn't surprised by Virat Kohli's declaration late on day two of the third Test, suggesting it is exactly what most captains would have done in the same situation.

Kohli called India in at 7-443 on Thursday, opting against extending Australia's taxing stint in the field that had already spanned 169.4 overs.

Some pundits questioned if India had enough runs on the board and whether Kohli was guilty of taking his foot off Australia's throat.

The tourists were unable to create a breakthrough in the ensuing six overs, with Australia to resume at 0-8 on Friday, but Finch knew full well it could easily have been quite different.

"Most teams in their position would have done the exact same thing," Finch said of the declaration.

"I wasn't surprised at all. With a team being in the field for a long time ... the prospect of having a team two down in a seven-over burst is so attractive.

"As an opening batter I certainly would rather have walked out tomorrow after about 10 overs. Six overs before stumps is a no-win position for a batsman.

"There's no worse time to bat."

Finch admitted opinion was split among Australia's fielders as to what Kohli was planning.

"Some guys thought they might bat out the day then have a little dart tomorrow, go big," he said.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who spent almost eight hours at the crease during his second ton on tour, is confident Kohli made the right call.

"It's tough pitch to score runs on," Pujara said.

"We have enough runs on the board."


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Source: AAP



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