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How Sehwag's tips helped Aussie openers Warner and Finch

Talented Australian batsman Aaron Finch feels that his opening partner David Warner has become a better batsman having played alongside Virender Sehwag for four years at Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

"Four years with Virender Sehwag at Delhi Daredevils certainly made David Warner a better batsman and helped his game a lot. Not only Warner, I have also learnt a lot from Sehwag during my stay at the Daredevils. What was Sehwag’s primary tip for me? Well, to try and hit them as long as possible," the 27-year-old Finch said in Mirpur, on Tuesday.

When asked to elaborate about what else Sehwag had told them, Finch gave a detailed insight.

"Sehwag told us that the important thing about playing in the subcontinent is that at times you can try and capitalise on the new ball when the field is in. The ball is at its best for batting and that’s when you get the opportunity to get ahead in the game. That’s really the message he has sent in the past.

"The way he has batted against the new ball in Test cricket and I think Warner playing IPL with him has helped his game a lot. He once told us that guys who are successful in T20 are also successful in Test cricket," Finch added.

"They know their game so well and they don't go too far away from that. David Warner, Virender Sehwag, Shane Watson and Chris Gayle are guys who are successful in all forms of the game. I think it goes on to show that you just have to play good shots. Even Mahela (Jayawardene's) presence helped us a lot."

'T20 is a hard game. Being able to hit the ball right away is quite a challenge'

His strike-rate in 14 T20 Internationals has been an amazing 167.33 with a highest score of 156 but Finch says it wont be wise to compete with Warner.

"The day you try to compete with him [Warner] is the day you will lose your career pretty quickly! The reason why he can play those shots is because he is a phenomenal player. He is an unbelievable talent and so I don’t get near those shots too often. He practises quite a bit in the nets."

Having played with him since their school cricket days have created a comfort level and Finch exactly knows what his job is.

"We are both very attacking players and I think it helps to take the pressure off each other at different times. T20 is a hard game. Being able to hit the ball right away is quite a challenge. So I am comfortable batting with someone [Warner] who can take the pressure off me and the other way round. I think most teams are so worried about the damage he can do, I just tend to fly under the radar which is a nice feeling."

"While batting together, we don't need to talk to each other. I think we have both played so much T20 cricket that we have that feel. When David wants to go, you know it and you just try to get off strike and let him play. I think it's that kind of relationship and that kind of partnership that you don't need to say much.

"It's something that happens. And it's a pretty incredible experience when David is on and you just keep yourself safe at the other end," he added.