Ponting backs Finch for opener's role

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has backed right-hand batsman Aaron Finch for the opener's role ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.

Ponting believes that though Finch is yet to make his Test debut, the batsman's outstanding numbers in other formats of the game shows his potential as an opener.

"Although his (Finch's) red-ball numbers aren't outstanding, he has been in real good form in other formats of the game all around the world for the last few years. The conditions in that part of the world in the UAE, I don't think the new ball should do too much," Cricket.com.au quoted Finch, as saying.

"It will probably be more like starting an innings against the white ball, which Finchy is very very good at," he added.

Reflecting on the suitable candidate for the post of the vice-captain in the Test series against Pakistan, Ponting said that batting all-rounder Mitchell Marsh fits perfectly as he did an outstanding job while leading Western Australia, last year.

"I think they (selectors) will go quite young and think Mitchell Marsh is the one they will lean towards," he said.

"I think the way Mitchell has developed over the last couple of years, we all saw his Test summer in Australia last year was outstanding and he captained Western Australia last year and did a very good job," he added.

Australia are slated to play their first Test against Pakistan from October 7 in Dubai followed by the second match at Abu Dhabi from October 16.