This time Finn must seize his big chance

THERE has never been a better time for Steven Finn to stand up to be counted. Finn was yesterday confirmed as the replacement for injured Chris Woakes and he is set to be thrown straight into the fray tomorrow when England can book their semi-final place with a game to spare if they beat New Zealand in Cardiff. England’s reluctance to play two spinners in Wales because of the short, straight Cardiff boundaries and the failure of David Willey to present a compelling case for inclusion means Finn is almost certain to play. And, with Jake Ball proving expensive in the opening victory against Bangladesh, England need Finn to hit the ground running as they seek a bowling combination that can compete against the tournament’s big-hitters. ‘You’ve always got a point to prove when you are left out,’ Finn said yesterday. ‘When you get an opportunity after being in and out you want to take it, particularly in a world tournament like this.’ There have only been glimpses of the form that made Finn, 28, one of the best fast bowlers in the world since he battled back from the career-threatening problems with his action that made him ‘unselectable’ on the last Ashes tour. Now Woakes’ misfortune has given him another big chance after he missed out on original selection because England felt Ball offered more variations. Finn was preferred to Toby Roland-Jones and Tom Curran, with Stuart Broad, surprisingly, warranting little consideration. ‘I am going to attack these training days as best I can and if I get the call beyond that I will do my best for my country,’ Finn said. Selectors James Whitaker and Mick Newell watched Finn take two wickets for the Lions against South Africa A on Saturday before plumping again for a man who filled in for Woakes in the last ODI against South Africa at Lord’s. The absence of Woakes, who has become a key 50-over bowler as well as one of the best No 8s in the world, could be crucial against an aggressive New Zealand side. England sprang a surprise by leaving out Adil Rashid at the Oval but there looks no way back for the wrist spinner on a Cardiff ground where they have not fielded two slow bowlers in any of their last six internationals. Willey, meanwhile, has not been able to swing the new ball after returning from shoulder surgery and has taken just four wickets in his last 10 ODIs. He is in danger of becoming a passenger in England’s 15-man trophy squad. That means England will need Finn and Ball to step up in support of the excellent Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett, and hope that Ben Stokes has recovered from his sore knee to fill Woakes’ shoes as the best death bowling option.