Australia’s Aaron Finch urges team-mates to drop ´ego´ in South Africa

Australia opener Aaron Finch urged his fellow batsmen to lose their “ego” as they look ahead to their second Twenty20 against South Africa.

South Africa claimed a three-wicket win on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the teams heading to Johannesburg for game two.

The tourists had made 157-9 in Durban, but David Miller (53 off 35) led South Africa in their chase as they reached their target with four balls to spare.

Finch said there was plenty for Australia to learn from their defeat, particularly in terms of their approach with the bat.

“A lot to learn with the bat again through the middle overs,” he said.

“I think there was some times when our ego probably took over a little bit.

“When you’re playing against a quality spinner on a wicket that’s assisting him, we probably had to play a little bit smarter, myself included.

“If I hit that full toss for six it could be a different scenario, you get Imran [Tahir] on the back foot, but we know once he gets his tail up and he’s got some new batters to bowl to, he’s a hell of a bowler and someone whose tough to get away.”

Tahir took 3-21 off his four overs, while David Wiese (2-16) and Kagiso Rabada (2-26) also impressed with the ball for South Africa.

Australia experimented ahead of the ICC World Twenty20, with David Warner – who made 20 – batting at number three.

Usman Khawaja opened with Finch, while Mitchell Marsh’s 25-ball 35 was also crucial at number six.

Australia have lost their past five Twenty20s, a worrying run of form ahead of the showpiece tournament in India.

And the latest defeat came after South Africa decided against including star paceman Dale Steyn, who is fit again.

For the hosts, the victory extended their unbeaten run in T20s to six – and they will be out to build on that in Johannesburg.