Finch revels in success after 'most consistent series as a batter'

Finch, who was named Player of the Series for his 451 runs at an average of 112.75, fell just 27 short of George Bailey's record for most runs in a bilateral series for Australia. With scores of 116, 153*, 90, 39 and 53, Finch played a major role in Australia routing Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

"It was probably my most consistent [series] as a player, as a batter," said Finch. "I think if you look back through my career, there's been times when I've got a couple of hundreds and there will be some really low scores in there as well."

Finch, however, regretted the fact that he was not able to convert a few of his good starts into bigger knocks. "It was nice to get a good start each game, and still kicking myself at a couple of chances, couple of 40-50 that could have gone on to be really big, match-winning scores," he said. "But it was nice to start the series really well and set the tone early.

"A couple of really good chases as well, which is something that's been really pleasing recently that we've been able to chase 360 in Mohali [on the India tour] and then 280-plus twice in Sharjah on wearing wickets was a real positive both times."

Australia have now won eight one-day internationals on the trot. Finch put the turnaround down to some changes in game plan and strategy.

"When you are building towards something and you have changed a bit of your strategy and game plan, it can take a little bit of time for you to develop," he said. "Once the boys started believing and you have a little bit of success, see some things going your way, you buy into it a bit more, you believe in it a bit more till you win a game, till you win a series, and then you have that ultimate buy-in, and everyone’s on the same page.

"I think the consistency that we have had over the last little while, even in the games that we lost in India - the first couple of games, we still played some really good cricket. We just lost the crunch moments, especially in the second game. But since then, any time the game has been in bounce, someone's put their hands up and taken that opportunity, taken upon themselves to win the game or win that contest and put us in front. That has been the most pleasing thing."

The huge victory bodes well for Australia, but the splendid individual performances have led to a selection conundrum ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019. "I think that would be down to what’s best for the team. What fits best, what looks best on paper to start with, and then you go from there. Everyone who has had an opportunity over the last couple of months has really put their best foot forward and played some great cricket," Finch said.

"Again, there will be a lot of conversations, with players, with myself, with JL [Justin Langer, the coach] about pros and cons for all scenarios. That will be for all 18-19 players that are in contention. Actually it could be more: 20-21 players. [We are] going to try and find the right balance for the squad, as opposed to emotional or on-the-spot decisions. But at the end of the day, there are going to be some really tough calls."

The Australian skipper also lavished praised on Usman Khawaja, with whom he put on some brilliant opening partnerships through the series. Khawaja finished as the third-highest run-getter, with three fifty-plus scores. That included a 98 on Sunday.

"[Today] he hit everything in the middle. And when he is timing the ball and hits the gap a hell of a lot, he doesn’t hit the fielder too often. That was a brilliant innings that he played. I was disappointed he didn’t get a hundred. He really did deserve it. The series that he’s had, the way that he has been playing, everything that he did pointed towards a hundred. To get out was disappointing."

Finch put Australia's success in the series down to not taking the opposition lightly. "I think we had a real focus coming here," he said. "It was our last before the World Cup, so we wanted to make sure we go into that tournament with a lot of momentum. And I think international cricket is really hard, so if you take it lightly, if you take your foot off the gas at any point against any opposition, you get beaten.

"We were really conscious not to do that in this series or to give the opposition a chance to get on top of you early on in the series."