Skipper Finch backs watchful Warner, says pitches 'demanded respect'

David Warner may not have been his usual self in some of Australia's World Cup games despite leading the run chart, but skipper Aaron Finch Tuesday backed his opening partner, saying the pitches used "demanded respect".

Finch (100) and Warner (53) added yet another century stand to lay the foundation for Australia's 64-run victory over arch-rivals England at the Lord's and become the first team to reach the semifinals.

"People are saying it's not the Warner of old, but the wickets we've got in this tournament have demanded respect. He looked at his best today," Finch said at the presentation ceremony.

"There's plenty to suggest that the way to go about it is the right way to do it. You're looking to be positive, but he got us off to a good start. We're confident with what we've got, and we've won five World Cups in our history."
On reaching the last four, Finch said, "That's the first part ticked off, which is a really nice feeling. I think England are a stand-out side who can take you apart with ball and bat quite quickly. It was nice that we found ways to keep getting wickets."