The head coach of the Australian cricket team, Justin Langer, went on record to claim that his team needs a finisher in white-ball cricket, following the trails of MS Dhoni.
Australia suffered a 3-nil defeat at the hands of South Africa during their limited-overs tour. After winning the T20I series handsomely by 2-1, the Aussies had no answer to the resolute of the hosts in the ODIs.
Langer tried out fellow West Australian Mitchell Marsh at the crucial number six slot for the role of the finisher. The latter came up with scores of 32 and 36 in the second and third ODI, respectively.
The former Australian opener heaped praises on countrymen Michael Hussey and Michael Bevan regarding their finishing abilities.
“We’ve been fortunate in the past with a Mike Hussey or a Michael Bevan who are masters at it. MS Dhoni is a master of it, Jos Buttler has been brilliant at it for England,” Langer told ICC.
“What I’ve learned is everyone in the world is looking for it. So it’s a role that’s there for someone to grab hold of,” continued the 49-year-old.
Following the top-heavy batting lineup, the Kangaroos have been found wanting of-late, down the order. Langer looked up to finishers like Jos Buttler and MS Dhoni, affirming Australia’s need for a finisher of similar quality.
Despite scoring a record tally of runs in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season, there is still no sign of Marcus Stoinis in the Australian squad.
For the selectors, it has been a toss-up between Marsh and Stoinis for the all-rounder’s role in the team. But they have favored the former in the white-ball series against New Zealand and South Africa.
“No one at this stage has absolutely secured it, have they? But there are good opportunities there for someone to do that,” Langer added.
Australia plays New Zealand next for the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series, due to commence on Friday, March 13.
