Finch is a mainstay in the limited-overs set-up, but his first-class record hints at proficiency in the longer format as well. In 74 matches, he has scored 4,261 runs at an average of 36.41. Since 2014, his first-class average has risen to 49.27, and in February, he hammered an unbeaten 122-ball 151 for Victoria against Western Australia.

At 31, he’s not really a young player anymore, but Finch remained hopeful of still playing Tests. “Over the last four years, I have played really well in four-day cricket in Australia and in England, averaging about 50,” Finch told Wisden. “That is something that’s really pleasing.

“In the Test team, there are a lot of very good players for Australia and a lot of guys who have been scoring runs in the last domestic season. If a spot comes up, it comes up. All I can do is keep trying to score runs.”

“I asked the captain (R Ashwin) and we are still trying to work out a team and work out the best balance for the team,” said Finch when asked of his role. “Wherever I bat, I am happy with that. You do the job that you can. Anything that the coach or the captain asks you to do, you go out and do it.

“If that is at the top of the order, where I have batted most of my career, I am happy to do that. But, like the last tri-series for Australia (against England and New Zealand) and the last one-and-a-half IPLs, I’ve been batting at No.4 and No.5. It has been great fun as well.”