Australia captain Finch wary of West Indies’ threat

Australia captain Aaron Finch expects his side to face a “very dangerous” West Indies when the teams meet in a mouthwatering World Cup clash at Trent Bridge today.Reigning champions Australia started their title defence with a seven-wicket stroll against Afghanistan, while the West Indies’ fast bowlers were especially impressive in skittling out Pakistan for just 105 on the way to a comfortable win at Trent Bridge.West Indies, with veteran opener Chris Gayle leading the way, have the run-scoring power to give an Australia side strong in both batting and bowling a run for their money. “I think when you come up against someone as dangerous as Chris, you have to be prepared, like I said before, that he’s going to hit boundaries,” Finch told reporters at Trent Bridge yesterday.“So I think it’s important that you come prepared to take the contest to him because he definitely does that the other way.“They’re a very dangerous side and I think that whichever team comes out and executes it from the start of the game, I think it’s important that you start really well, whether you bat or bowl first.“Those first 10-over periods are going to be really crucial because we know how damaging the West Indies can be during that period.”The opening batsman added: “But equally, if we get off to a good start then we can start to try to get into our work a bit. I think if we’re tentative and a bit stand-offish and wait for things to happen, that’s when they can dominate you from the start.” Both teams have won their opening games and are looking to build momentum in their second game at Trent Bridge, a venue which saw the highest one-day international score of 481 runs racked up last year when England beat Australia.“I think just before we turned up to the training yesterday (Tuesday), a few boys talked about their previous experiences here, which obviously haven’t been overly pleasant,” Finch admitted.“But we’re in the home change rooms, which is a first for everyone, which is nice.”Finch said the key to beating a resurgent West Indies is to have various strategies on hand to counter bowling attacks as teams could adjust very quickly in the tournament.“I think if you just stick to one plan, then teams get on top of you pretty quickly or they adjust quick enough,” Finch said.“I think if you over-attack and continue to go too short or you continue to go too full, whatever it might be, it’s about your follow-ups from them balls.”Australia are chasing a record sixth World Cup win in the 50-over edition of the game having won the previous one in 2015. However, Finch warned against complacency.