Finch's fitness key to Australia's fortunes

'He brings a lot of aggression at the top of the batting order. It was good to see him practising hard, and hopefully he will be fit for the game tomorrow'

Australia have struggled to fire at the top of the innings in the first two one-dayers played against India and they will be praying that Aaron Finch be fit in time for the 3rd ODI to be played in Indore on Sunday.

Finch, who injured his right calf muscle while playing for Surrey last month, has not played a single game on this tour of India.

The 30-year-old has represented Australia in 82 ODIs and has played for six franchises in the Indian Premier League. He has plenty of experience of playing in Indian conditions and countering spinners.

In his absence, 25-year-old Hilton Cartright made his debut as an opener but has cut a sorry figure on the tour thus far. In Chennai, he was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for one and in the Kolkata ODI he was cleaned up by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for an identical score.

With Warner also struggling for runs, Australia have not been able to make an aggressive start.

To Australia's relief, Finch hit the nets on Saturday and also looked smooth while running during the morning practice session.

"I think you know what he will bring. He is a very good player and he has played a lot of cricket for us in the past couple of years," Warner told reporters.

"He brings a lot of aggression at the top of the batting order. It was good to see him practising hard, and hopefully he will be fit for the game tomorrow."

Warner also came out in defence of young Cartright.

"It is challenging for a young guy to take the bull by the horns. It is very difficult when you play on the world stage against the best ODI teams, it can get overwhelming," Warner said.

"He brings a lot of energy. He is a workaholic and brings in a lot of knowledge to the game," he signed off.