Finch’s nemesis set to make ODI return

Aaron Finch's search for form is set to hit a new obstacle in the form of his most recent nemesis, India swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Bhuvneshwar is likely to return to India's XI for the third ODI in Ranchi today (Friday) and it could spell trouble for Finch, who was out three times in as many matches to the pace man in January's Gillette ODI Series in Australia.

Finch was castled by the right-armer in the first two matches of the series; bowled through the gate in Sydney for six and then dragged it on for the same score in the following match in Adelaide.

Australia's ODI skipper was then trapped in front lbw in the series-decider in Melbourne to fall for 14 and give Bhuvneshwar the complete set. 

Bhuvneshwar says his recent success against Finch is down to the Australian being "out of form", which rings true given the 29-year-old had failed to dismiss the hard-hitting opener in their previous 10 matches. 

Bhuvneshwar says he's going after Finch again the third ODI but not because of his past success but because the rival captain, on his day, is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world.

"Of course, when you go into the match you want to get every batsman out," Bhuvneshwar said on Thursday. 

"Finch for sure because he's a very good batsman and once he gets going, he's very dangerous. 

"I want to get him out, but not just him I want to get other batters out too."

Finch, who has gone 21 limited-overs internationals without posting a half-century, showed glimpses of a return to form with 37 in the second ODI in Nagpur.

The Victorian hit five fours and a six in his 59-minute stay at the crease in an opening stand worth 83 alongside Usman Khawaja.

He has been backed by coach Justin Langer and all his teammates as he fights his way through this form slump, with fast bowler Pat Cummins confident a big score will come sooner rather than later for his skipper.

"'Finchy' I thought he plated a beautiful innings today," Cummins said after the narrow loss in Nagpur on Tuesday. 

"You see how effective he is – once he gets going the field goes back, the bowlers start plan B and he's one of those batsmen, I know bowling in domestic cricket against him, you do feel under pressure if he's firing. 

"He's such a class player. His record is great in ODI cricket so runs were always going to come around the corner. 

"Good innings today, I'm sure he'll keep cashing in."

Qantas Tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: Australia won by seven wickets

First ODI: India won by six wickets

Second ODI: India won by eight runs

Third ODI: March 8, Ranchi

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi