Steve Finn looking to remind England that he is still there
Finn is optimistic about his selection against Ireland which could be a platform to remind England selectors of his white-ball credentials.
England are set to play two ODI series’ – a 2-match series against Ireland followed by a 3-match series against the visiting South Africa – before they take on Bangladesh in the curtain raiser of the Champions Trophy 2017 on June 1. Pacer Steve Finn has found a place in the group of players who will take part in the 2 ODIs against Ireland on Friday and Sunday.
Finn’s inclusion is restricted to just these two games as he failed to find a place in the squad for the other ODI series and the Champions Trophy. The 28-year-old is essentially picked to cover for Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes, who are both allowed to play in the IPL until the third week of May.
Finn has not been a part of England’s white-ball cricket. He has added just 3 caps to his 68-match ODI career in the last 20 months. While his numbers in the format have been decent – 102 wickets from 68 games – England have found bowlers who can do a better job for the side. Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Jake Ball, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes are the men England have entrusted with the seam bowling responsibilities for the South Africa series as well as the Champions Trophy.
Finn, though, was in high-spirits citing the inconsequential selection against Ireland as an “opportunity” to showcase his ability which has not diminished over the years.
“These matches (against Ireland) are an opportunity,” Finn told reporters. “They are going to be hard fought… and they are an opportunity for me to remind England that I am still there and ready to go if they need me at any stage.”
The tall fast bowler is a regular in the Test format till he picked up an injury last year which has restricted his Test appearances to 36 caps since October 2016.
“At the moment I am in and out and that is something that just happens as you go through your career,” he added.
“You will have peaks and troughs in form and when you are on the periphery of England all the time, you just have to deal with the disappointments, which sometimes can be hard to take — it is just the way it goes.” Finch said.
It remains to be seen how Finn goes about his business in these two games. If he finds his rhythm, the 28-year-old is capable of troubling the batsmen with his pace and steep bounce.
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