Finch relishing 'less aggressive' Australia at World Cup

Australia captain Aaron Finch said the champions had toned down their World Cup act as they prepare to face New Zealand, the team they beat in the 2015 final, at Lord's on Saturday.

The match will revive memories of a Melbourne final in which wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, now a member of Australia's coaching staff, was criticised for '"sledging" or verbally abusing New Zealand batsmen in his final one-day international.

But since then Australia have been through the trauma of a ball-tampering scandal that saw former captain Steve Smith and opener David Warner handed 12-month bans.

There has been a noticeable lack of flare-ups between players on opposing sides at this World Cup, although there have been issues of dissent at umpires' decisions.

"I think it has been a great spirit out on the field, regardless of results," Finch said at Lord's on Friday.

"I know the last one was quite an aggressive World Cup on the field, mainly from us. We were quite aggressive in our approach and how we went about things.

"This one has been absolutely brilliant, and I think that's been really pleasing as well."
"They are a great fielding side. They put pressure on you. They have got world-class players."
- 'Winning momentum' -
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"We feel as though that week will be a really good opportunity for the bowlers to really freshen up and de-loading them three or four days after this match to manage them through the next part of the tournament, and obviously with a huge summer coming up here with the Ashes."