Aaron Finch was run out following a mix-up with Steve Smith in the third and final ODI in Bengaluru, which India won by seven wickets to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
During the ninth over of the Australian innings, Smith tapped a good length ball towards backward point, and both the batters (Smith and Finch) started running to take the quick single, but Smith changed his mind and went back inside his crease leaving the Aussie skipper nowhere who already reached his partner’s end.
In the meantime, Ravindra Jadeja threw the ball to claim the direct-hit, but it missed the stumps; however, Shreyas Iyer collected the ball at short mid-wicket. He underarmed it to Mohammad Shami, who whipped off the bails before Finch could make a comeback.
Returning to the pavilion, Finch looked absolutely furious and livid with Smith. The 33-year-old was questioned about the incident during the post-match press conference to which he answered in an amusing way.
“We haven’t discussed it yet, maybe we will tonight over a beer,” said Finch.
“He (Smith) played an exceptional knock, he rode the momentum when he had to, controlled the innings at various parts when we’d lose a wicket. He really controlled that middle part which was really important to give us a chance at the back end. It was a top knock, real quality,” added Finch.
The right-handed batsman praised Indian bowlers and said they bowled exceptionally well, especially in the death overs.
“Credit to India, their death bowling in the last few games was exceptional. Shami was nailing his yorkers, Saini in the last two games and Bumrah. In both games they were exceptional. You can look at where we could have improved, but also, you’ve got to give some credit to India. They were unbelievable at the death,” Finch added further.
Australia will now tour to South Africa, where they will play three T20Is and as many ODIs. The first T20I game will take place on Friday (Feb 21) at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
