Finch shines with century in ODI return

Aaron Finch has scored a commanding century in his return from injury in Australia's must-win one-day international against India.

Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch has scored a commanding century in his return from injury. (AAP)

Australian opener Aaron Finch has scored his eighth one-day international century with a powerful display against India in his return from injury.

Finch missed the first two games with a calf complaint as Australia slumped to 2-0 down in the five-match series making victory in Indore crucial to their hopes of winning the series.

The 30-year-old Victorian made 124 off 125 balls, plundering 17 boundaries including five sixes to help his side into a strong position on Sunday.

Finch had no trouble clearing the short boundaries at Holkar Stadium after skipper Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bat first.

He smashed four of his five sixes off Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

But Yadav eventually claimed his wicket with a slog sweep hit straight down Kedar Jadhav's throat at deep mid-wicket.

With batting collapses Australia's chief concern coming into the match, Finch provided a steady hand at the top of the order as he reunited with long-time opening partner David Warner.

Finch and Warner put on 70 for the first wicket before skipper Steve Smith came to the crease.

Smith, who has spoken about success being underpinned by batting partnerships, teamed up with Finch for a second wicket stand of 174.

After starting watchfully, Finch eased into his innings and brought up his fifty from 61 deliveries.

He reached his ton in 110 balls before putting his foot on the accelerator only to be brought undone after not middling another six attempt.

Finch replaced makeshift opener Hilton Cartwright who was bowled for one in the first two matches of the series.


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Source: AAP


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