FINN DISCUSSES HIS TOUGH TIMES AND SALUTES YOUNG AUSSIES FOR TAKING A BREAK FROM THE GAME

STEVEN FINN has applauded the bravery of young Aussie batsman Will Pucovski and his approach to mental health, admitting he wishes he had made a similar call years ago.

Finn was a rising talent when he became the youngest Englishman to take 50 Test wickets at the age of 22 before going on to claim 125 in 36 matches so far.

Blessed with height, pace and the knack of getting very good players out, Finn was an integral part of the side that beat Australia away in 2010/11.

He also played in two further Ashes-winning sides as well the team who went to India and won in 2012. But in between there were some dark times.

He left the Ashes tour of 2013/14 with a cruel description of where his game was at, and then again when he tore his knee cartilage Down Under in 2017/18.

Dealing with those low moments is part of a sportsman’s lot, but if you’re struggling mentally it can be a lot worse. That is why Finn understands and respects the decision of 21-year-old Pucovski (right, top), as well as Glenn Maxwell (right, middle) and Nic Maddinson (right, bottom), to step away from cricket to look after their mental health.

“I say good on those guys for having the bravery to do that and had I been brave enough I would have gone home from that 2013/14 Ashes tour much earlier,” admitted Finn during a break from his BBC commentary duties on the current New Zealand tour.

“Even five years ago if you did that it would be seen by some people as ‘weak’ or that you were running away from something.

“I definitely struggled with stuff at the time, before you were really aware of what mental health was or what the feelings were that you were having. It was partly my fault because I was so keen to deal with things and to work things out by myself. I thought I would grow stronger from trying to do that as opposed to seeking help from people. “Eventually you end up in this dark tunnel and you don’t see a way out. You’re just lost in this strange place. “The whole mental health side of things I wasn’t very aware of at the time but am more so now and you learn to be at peace with things as you get older. You get professional help with that stuff.” Having been through the full range of emotions as an England cricketer, Finn remains proud of his achievements and the part he played in a period of high intensity but huge success for the side and insists he would do it all again. He has also been on the massage table pouring his heart out to Mark Saxby who has now been given more formal responsibility for the pastoral care of the players.

Finn added: “I think Sax has always been the guy you can talk to. He listens and he discusses things with you and he brings a worldlywise voice to things.

“He’s a great person to talk to who you can be open and honest with. It is great to hear he has been given a more formal and active role in seeking people out which is definitely a step in the right direction, especially with the relentlessness of the schedule and the scrutiny you’re under.

“There is so much pressure on young people to try to live a perfect life and be perfect, but life isn’t perfect. You realise the more at peace you are then the more you can deal with failure and things not going to plan.”