Australian opener Aaron Finch has hailed the “perfect wicket” at the Ageas Bowl, as he looks to produce another record-breaking performance on Hampshire’s home ground.

Finch blasted a stunning 156 off 63 balls in the recent T20 match against England – the highest ever international score in that format.

He will be back in action at the Ageas Bowl again on Monday, as the Aussies arrive for the fifth and final NatWest One Day International.

Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old has been full of praise for the venue ahead of his return.

“Any time you play on a wicket which is close to what you were brought up on it’s going to be a good place to play on,” he said.

“It is just a perfect cricket wicket and, as a batsman, you just hope you can get yourself in so you can cash-in on the runs available.”

Recalling his record-breaking innings two weeks ago, Finch said: “The crowd were probably on my side for a little while there – they were fantastic. It was a really great feeling when everyone was on their feet applauding.”

Finch feels Australia can learn a lot from having five ex-Hampshire players in the squad.

“You’re pretty accustomed to playing in all sorts of conditions these days, but if you come to a ground for a first time it’s nice to have guys who have experienced it and played all forms of cricket there like our guys have,” he said. “It’s great to have that knowledge up your sleeve.”

There could be a great deal riding on the match come Monday, with Australia 1-0 up in the series ahead of tomorrow’s penultimate fixture at Cardiff, but for Finch he has more than one reason to perform well.

“I’d love to get an opportunity to play county cricket,” he said. “I’d had a look last year but I couldn’t get a spot, so hopefully there might be a couple of spots opening up.”

Tickets are still available for Monday’s match and are priced from £53 for adults and £10 for under-16s.

General admission tickets are available online via the Ageas Bowl ticketing website, or over the phone on 0844 847 1863 (24 hours a day) or in person at The Ageas Bowl ticket office during normal office hours.

Limited numbers of hospitality packages are also available for the ODI priced from £395 + VAT and include a champagne reception, three course lunch with matching wines, afternoon tea, post-match refreshments and celebrity guest speakers.

To book hospitality, please contact Lisa Catlin on 023 8047 5660 during normal office hours or via email on lisa.catlin@keithprowse.co.uk.