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Finch returns to MCG with runs on the board

Australia opener admits innings against India wasn't his best, but puts him in good stead for final on favourite ground

Steve Smith believes a relatively scratchy 81 made by Aaron Finch during Australia’s semi-final victory over India was "exactly what he needed" ahead of Sunday's World Cup decider at the opening batsman’s home venue, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

After beginning the tournament with a superb 135 against England at the MCG, Finch made a string of low scores until yesterday's breakthrough, which the man himself conceded was still a long way from his best.

"It wasn't my most fluid innings, but it was nice to get through that," he said.

"They bowled well early and then I felt like I hit a lot of fielders in that middle part, but to get through that and contribute to big a partnership (was nice).

"I was under the pump – I hadn't scored any runs for a while. 

"I felt like I was playing really well. It's just one of those things, it didn't translate into a hell of a lot of runs lately.

"But hopefully I'm past that and there's some more runs to come."

Finch happy to grind out a score

Smith witnessed his partner’s struggles first-hand during their second-wicket stand of 182, but is confident the Victorian will benefit from a prolonged centre-wicket stay.

"He was alright, he got a little bit frustrated with a couple of shots he was trying to play off the spinner where he couldn’t get it through the gap," he explained. 

"But … it will do him the world of good to have spent the time out in the middle, it’s exactly what he needed.

"He knows the MCG better than any of us, he plays his state cricket there and we saw how well he played there in the first match of the World Cup against England, so hopefully (we’ll get) some more of the same from him.” 

Captain Michael Clarke concurred, and was confident that Australian fans would see the best of the 28-year-old opening batsman on the biggest stage of all this Sunday.

"I think that (innings was) a real positive for Finch and for the team,” Clarke said. 

"Don’t be surprised if he walks out on Sunday and makes an unbelievable hundred. 

"The fact that he spent that time in the middle, and I said that to him when he walked off – I think he was a little bit disappointed with the way he batted, or with the way it felt, but I think he did a fantastic job. 

"That time in the middle will allow him on Sunday to walk out and play with freedom."

Clarke focused for final showdown

Finch also has the added boast of the World Cup final being played on his home patch, a venue at which he has excelled in the past. 

Thirty-four players have made more than 350 runs in ODIs at the MCG, but none of those come close to doing so at Finch’s average of 65.16.

In six innings at the ground, he has plundered two hundreds and a fifty among his 391 runs.

"It's a place I love playing,” Finch said. “I've had a fair bit of success there with both Australia and Victoria.

"It's a place I love batting, too. The wicket's always good there, fast outfield and a big ground. 

"I think that plays into our hands a lot."