Steven Finn has made a very strong case for himself after a fantastic bowling performance against Pakistan A in the second warm-up match in UAE. Finn, who in UAE is being seen as a potential backup option took four wickets in 15 overs while conceding just 16 runs. Finn, however, feels that his chances of selection are minimal given England’s policy of deploying three spinners against Pakistan.
“I’d say I’ve staked a claim, but I’d still be surprised if I played the first Test. I think the guys bowled really well the other day, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the team that was picked then is the team for the first Test,” he said. “At the moment, I’m back-up to those guys. But nothing is set in stone,” said Finn.
“Broady and Jimmy bowled well when they were out here last time, and bowled well the other day – and so did Woody,” Finn said. “There will be disappointed people, regardless of who gets picked, but that’s part of building a strong unit of players who can come out here and challenge in these sorts of conditions.”
“I don’t think the same bowling attack is going to play all the way through the series – because of the conditions and the overs bowlers might get through. So if you don’t play the first Test, it’s not the end of the world, there are two others in very quick succession to come,” the towering pacer said. “Having only bowled four or five-over spells in the nets, to then get 15 overs under my belt in a game situation, I felt good for it,” Finn said. “We’ve put in some hard work getting used to these conditions.”
“A few net sessions, I was pretty close to being sick – or was sick. I think everyone’s been in that position a little bit over the last week or so, but that hard work now will stand us in good stead.” “I think a proper match would be ideal. But we don’t have the luxury of that over here, and I think you have to use these matches to serve a purpose,” Finn said.
“Having 88 overs in our legs at the end of the day is a very good thing for us – and even their top-order batsmen coming out again is more of a challenge for us. You want to be challenged as much as you can in these practice games, so you’re not surprised when it comes to the Test matches,” concluded Finn