Aussies' new closer steps up to the plate

Allrounder Marcus Stoinis has been shifted up and down Australia's ODI batting order, but says he likes the key role of the team's closer as the World Cup approaches.

Stoinis carried Australia to within two lusty blows of an upset win over India in Nagpur but fell in the final over to lose in an eight-run thriller as the visitors conceded a 2-0 series deficit with three matches left to play.

He entered at No.6 having batted at first-drop in the opening ODI in Hyderabad, but said on Wednesday he relishes batting at the back end of an innings either setting up a total or chasing one down.

It's an important role, one that was filled by James Faulkner at the peak of his powers in Australia's 2015 World Cup triumph.

Faulkner was known as 'The Finisher' for his clutch performances in ODI pursuits but now that he's out of the national setup, the 'finishing' mantle requires filling.

If the Australians are to defend their World Cup crown, finding a player who can replicate Faulkner's feats looms as vital and the 29-year-old Stoinis put his hand up to be the side's lynchpin.

"If you asked me a couple of years ago, I definitely wanted to be up the order more," Stoinis explained.

"But now I've really enjoyed that role of trying to close games, taking games deep and batting with the tail.

"It's a different challenge. I'm enjoying both ends of the spectrum."

Stoinis made his mark early on his international career when he dragged Australia from nowhere with a blazing innings of 146 not out to almost single-handedly beat New Zealand at Eden Park in 2016 in just his second ODI.

He batted at No.7 in that Auckland classic but has done most of his work in his 26-match career batting at No.6, averaging 46.70 in 14 innings from that position.

While he's batted everywhere from No.3 to No.8, the right-hander says being flexible is "just part of the job".

But ultimately, he believes the differences between positions are only subtle. 

"Whether you're adapting to playing in different conditions, like playing in India, or different positions in the batting order at the end of the day it's all similar," he said.

"You build a partnership with the guy at the other end, try to rotate the strike early, build your innings then hit some boundaries.

"It's all similar but the pressures are a little bit different – facing the new ball as opposed to being there at the end."

The allrounder will have plenty of time to work on his closing skills as he moves from India to the UAE for the five-match ODI series against Pakistan before returning to the subcontinent.

If all goes to plan, he'll then head to Brisbane for the World Cup camp and then jet off to the UK for the 50-over showpiece event and potentially the Ashes.

Should all that transpire, Stoinis will be away from home for seven months.

Stoinis says it will be difficult to maintain a high level of intensity over that stretch, which is why the team is determined to remain on an even keel as long as possible, and it starts with a win on Friday in Ranchi.

"If you're going to play in the World Cup and the IPL and the Ashes you won't be home until the end of September," he said.

"I think it's important to keep a level (head) … not get too caught up in every moment that happens.

"Long time away from home, long time away from family, the way we've handled ourselves so far is pretty good.

"As long as we're learning and as long as we win these next three games everyone is going to be happy."

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