With just a few days left before the ICC T20 World Cup at home, legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Ian Healy is dissatisfied with the top-order batsmen David Warner, T20I captain Aaron Finch, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell after the trio posted scores of 4, 13, and 8 respectively in the second T20I against England as the hosts lost the series.
In Canberra on October 12, England, inspired by Jos Buttler, upset Australia, the incumbent T20 World champions, by eight runs to grab a commanding 2-0 series lead shortly before the T20 World Cup here.
Healy described the obvious batting problems as a "serious concern."
Healy said on SENQ Breakfast, "I've got a real worry that we've got too many weapons (batters) out of form, and we might need to throw in some more secure batting types.
Healy is worried about Finch's performance, which has prompted the top-order batsman, 35, to switch his attention from one-day internationals to T20 internationals. The veteran cricketer warned that if Finch can't get into a rhythm, he could not make it through the World Cup.
Healy stated, "I've got some real worries about Aaron Finch's form, as did the commentators last night. What he's doing technically at the crease is really unsound at the moment, and he won't last in the World Cup unless he finds some real rhythm, which isn't there.
He needs to hit the ball dead-set in the middle of the bat right now to clear the field since he doesn't have much momentum moving through the ball the way he is playing. He was caught last night after missing just one side of centre, which greatly irked him.
Healy continued, "Finch is feeling bad at the crease; he needs to find something or he's on the bench and Steve Smith's opening."
Maxwell, an all-around player, needs to better manage his shot, according to Healy, if he wants to keep his spot in the starting XI. Healy added, "(They bounced him last night) and he played a shot at it. Glenn Maxwell is my other concern. Let's control it because there are two fielders there and a short ball is coming.
He hit it right to someone, so let's make sure it goes into the gap and control it, get it along the ground better, and get it bouncing before those fielders out on the boundary.
In the third and final T20I, which will take place in Canberra later on Friday, Australia has a chance to restore their honour.