Aaron Finch has successfully assumed the role of David Warner as Australia’s batting enforcer on the limited overs tour of India.

While occasionally lacking the polish of some more acclaimed teammates, Finch’s aggressive and unconventional approach has unsettled India’s bowlers in both the Twenty20 loss and the ODI victory.

The 26-year-old, who is in a rich vein of form, has blasted big half centuries in Australia’s opening two fixtures to identify himself as the tourist’s dangerman.

And in the absence of short-form specialist Warner, who was left in Australia due to poor form in the coloured-clothing games, Bailey said it was crucial to take advantage of Finch’s contributions.

“It’s really important,” Bailey said.

“I think anyone who can do that – take a game away from the opposition – is key.

“What would be great from Finchy, and what we’re seeing from him at the moment, is that he’s doing it consistently.”

Finch’s whirlwind 89 provided the backbone to Australia’s competitive 7-201 in Rajkot, which was run down with two balls to spare by India’s master chasers Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni.

While teammates came and went, he thrashed the ball into and over the boundary rope time and again before repeating the effort with a starring 72 in Sunday’s victory.

It follows on from his breakout series in England, which included a record-setting 156 – the highest individual T20 international innings.

Bailey spent time in the middle with Finch in Pune and said it was clear that the Victorian made life easier for his teammates by rattling the confidence of his opposition.

“Certainly whenever you’re in a partnership with him it feels like the game flows along nicely because he’s always putting pressure back onto the bowlers,” Bailey said.

“I think when (Shane Watson) is batting well he does exactly the same thing.

“With those two guys at the top of the order it certainly makes it easier for some of us coming into the middle.”

Finch and fellow opener Phil Hughes put on a 110-run opening stand in the first ODI, laying the platform for Australia to set a target above 300.

“It’s very important (for us) to get a good start,” Hughes said.

“We talk about that, about partnerships. I really enjoy batting with Aaron up the top.”