Finch urges Australia to tone down bravado while facing spinners

Australia swashbuckling batsman Aaron Finch has called on his side to play 'smarter' cricket when facing spinners, following their three-wicket loss to South Africa in the opening Twenty20 of the three-match series in Durban.

Despite making a solid start, Australia failed to sustain momentum as the tourists were reeling at 104 for six in the 13.2 overs, thanks to an incisive spell from South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir (3-21) and frugal fast bowling in the middle overs.

South Africa chased down the target of 158 with four balls remaining, with explosive batsman David Miller making an unbeaten 53 off 35 balls on Saturday.

"I think there were some times when our ego probably took over a little bit," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"When you're playing against a quality spinner on a wicket that's assisting him, we probably had to play a little bit smarter," he said. "Myself included - if I hit that full toss for six it could be a different scenario, you get Imran on the back foot. But we know once he gets his tail up and he's got some new batters to bowl to . he's a hell of a bowler and someone who is tough to get away."

Finch, however, praised his side's new-ball bowlers' performance for taking wickets in the first six overs at Kingsmead.