2015 Cricket World Cup: Aaron Finch Says Australia Should Be Ready For New Zealand Clash Despite Threat By Skipper Brendan McCullum

Australian opening batsman Aaron Finch has said that his side is ready for their Pool A Cricket World Cup game against New Zealand. The two host nations will play at Eden Park in Auckland on Feb. 28, two weeks after their opening game in the 11th edition of the Cricket World Cup.

Finch has already spoken of the threat posed by New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum to Australia, Cricket World reports. Finch regarded McCullum as brutal, as the latter single-handedly took 77 off 25 balls in New Zealand’s last match. The 33-year-old McCullum was also a big contributor, scoring 65 during New Zealand’s opener against Sri Lanka.

The 28-year-old Australian emphasised that his team’s bowlers should be more disciplined because McCullum can easily take advantage of a disinclined opponent early on the game. He said that they need to get on top of things or else they will get “hurt.”

Finch also noted New Zealand’s Kane Williamson’s performance in recent matches. Williamson has been consistent in setting up innings, allowing other players to bat around him. Finch also praised Tim Southee for picking up his record-breaking bowling figures of seven out of 33 from nine overs.

Despite the threats that New Zealand’s players present, Finch is optimistic that his side will have a good run on Saturday’s match. According to Finch, the squad will be feeling “fresh” after a couple of weeks off. Australia’s cancelled game against Bangladesh that was supposed to take place on Feb. 21 in Brisbane will give the squad enough time to train and practice for the match.

“We came off a good game against England and we’ve had no problems really,” Finch was quoted as saying in a report by Sportal.com.au. “We’ve been training well during the week and had a pretty solid session on Saturday when we were meant to play; we’re feeling good and ready to go.”

Finch added that the pressure is on the Black Caps, who have won all their three matches since the beginning of the tournament. Finch said that he and David Warner will have to play great cricket to counteract New Zealand’s dominance.

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