Finch backs all-out express pace attack

Australian opener Aaron Finch has backed James Pattinson to join an all-out pace attack to rattle England in their third one-day match.

Australia's Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch is backing the potential unleashing of an express pace attack on England. (AAP)

Australian opener Aaron Finch is enthusiastically backing the potential unleashing of an express pace attack on England in the third one-day international in Manchester.

The hamstring injury which forced Nathan Coulter-Nile out of the tour robs Australia of its most defensive pace option but opens the door for speedster James Pattinson to make his international return from injury.

He would join world No.1-ranked bowler Mitchell Starc and tearaway Pat Cummins in forming a pace battalion capable of all-out attack as Australia, currently holding a 2-0 lead, look to close out the series in Manchester.

"You've got three young blokes who bowl fast, who can swing the ball (and) they're all quite aggressive," Finch enthused on Monday.

England coach Trevor Bayliss noted the key to Australia's two victories so far this series was their ability to dictate the pace of the game through the middle overs.

Finch described it as a Catch-22 situation and conceded the ultra-aggressive approach could tend to leak runs. However, he believes the pay-off of regular wickets will work in Australia's favour.

"If you have three blokes all attacking it can turn on you pretty quick," he said.

"But in saying that, if everyone continuously takes wickets through 50 overs it makes it a bit more of a luxury to have attacking bowlers.

"While Pat and James haven't played a real lot of international cricket over the past few years ... they're good enough to adapt.

"If the ball doesn't swing, Jimmy is skilful enough to be able to take a different role."

Should Australia look for a more like-for-like replacement for Coulter-Nile, they could call on his injury replacement this tour - John Hastings.

Hastings, who played the most recent of his 11 ODI fixtures in 2011, may not be able to hit the express pace on offer with Cummins and Pattinson but does have more experience in the stock bowler role.

Meanwhile, Finch confirmed he would open the batting following the thumb injury which is set to sideline his World Cup opening partner David Warner for up to six weeks.

"To be back, I'm very excited and very grateful," said Finch, who himself has endured a rotten run with injury, including a serious hamstring tear and a broken foot.


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Source: AAP


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