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Two matches into Australia’s World Cup defence and their tournament likely goes on the line against England on Friday night.
With both nations suffering defeats, defeat at the MCG likely spells the end of their World Cup aspirations.
The do-or-die match has seen debate ramp up over Australia’s selection, with captain Aaron Finch’s place at the top of the order under huge pressure in what shapes as the 35-year-old’s final tournament in charge.
Earlier in the week Allan Border said he would drop Finch.
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On Thursday Finch said he felt no more pressure than ever before.
“Everyone has got their opinion, that’s fine. I’ve got no issues with what people’s personal opinions are. I don’t read or listen to any of it,” a defiant Finch said in response to Border’s comments.
“I don’t feel any more pressure than I ever have. The only pressure is the expectation you put on yourself, and I think that’s what comes with a decent player in a good side.
“You put pressure on yourself to perform because you want the team to win. The other day, I was slightly off, but that can happen.”
He is not the only one under pressure, with calls for Cameron Green to come in for Pat Cummins.
Finch, however, defended his star bowler.
“His numbers over the last 18 months have been outstanding in T20 cricket,” he said.
“It blows my mind sometimes where people go with selection chat. He’s been unbelievable over all three formats for a long time. The calmness he brings to the bowling group and the experience, it’s invaluable.”
Fox Cricket spoke to some of the game’s greats to find out what their XIs would be ahead of the crunch World Cup group match.
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MARK WAUGH
Warner
Green
Marsh
Maxwell
Stoinis
David
Wade
Finch
Starc
Zampa
Hazlewood
Why?
“I have brought Green into the team to replace Cummins which is a gamble with only two frontline quicks. But I feel Green has the potential to bowl four overs as good as a specialist fast bowler, plus Marcus Stoinis has found some form with the ball too giving backup options.
Green will open the batting instead of Finch and Finch can float down the order anywhere between 5-8. Go get ‘em.”
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ALLAN BORDER
Warner
Smith
Marsh
Maxwell
Stoinis
David
Wade
Green
Agar/Zampa
Starc
Hazlewood
Why?
“I’ve left Finch out for this game. I just think that he is really struggling and where he is batting (opening), in a virtual knockout game. I think we can do better with Smith at the top of order, or even Cameron Green. A tough call but I think it’s needed. A bit the same for leaving Cummins out and bringing in Green. It’s just a gut feel, and just for this game. Hopefully Australia wins and then reassess!”
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