Finch to be rested for warm-up game

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Australia opener Aaron Finch will miss the warm-up match against Board President's XI to be played at MA Chidambaram stadium here on Tuesday.

However, the right-hander is not in any doubt for the ODI series opener against India on Sunday, cricket.com.au has reported.

The norm of resting a few seniors during warm-up games is not uncommon. All-rounder Hilton Cartwright missed Monday's training session due to illness and is also in doubt, with a decision on his participation to be made on Tuesday morning.

Finch had injured his calf playing for Surrey in England six weeks ago and has been working closely with physiotherapist Alex Kountouris over the past two days in order to be fit for Sunday's series opener. All fit members of Australia's squad are expected to play some role against President's XI as the match is not an official list A fixture meaning each team can field more than 11 players.

Meanwhile, the Board President's XI captain Gurkeerat Singh Mann told reporters ahead the game that he was excited about playing the Australians.  "I am excited to play. I made my debut against the Australians. Am happy to get an opportunity to play them again," he said.

Despite having little time to practice and plan, he said the players were ready.

"You need to be ready all the time. All of us have been playing. I have been playing back home. It is also a good opportunity for us to get runs/wickets and carry forward the form to domestic cricket.

"Wherever you get selected, you need to perform. It is about giving our best. We need to keep it simple and perform to our potential," the all-rounder, who has played three ODIs for India said.

Daily Pioneer
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