FINN’S AFTER A TALL ORDER
CRICKET: ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY Steve’s aiming to bounce back in style We remain defiant
STEVE FINN is determined to earn a place in the England team for the rest of the Champions Trophy campaign.
Finn has been called up to the squad after his close friend and England’s first-choice strike bowler, Chris Woakes, was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a side strain.
The fast bowler, 28, travelled to Cardiff yesterday after getting the nod ahead of fellow Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones.
And on arrival Finn said he is not expecting to simply be carrying drinks over the course of the next two weeks.
He expects to be able to force his way into the side for the match against New Zealand at Sophia Gardens tomorrow.
Menace
Asked what he brings to the table, Finn cited height, menace – and, most importantly, wickets.
“I’ve got a good record in one-day cricket,” he said.
“I am slightly taller than the other guys and can therefore get a bit more bounce. I’ve played a lot of ODIs. There is experience there.
“We have got a really well-balanced squad and hopefully my attributes can bring something to that. Taking wickets is something I always try to do. I never try to be negative or defensive.
“Trying to take wickets is the mantra we have tried to adopt as a one-day bowling side and I can help that.”
Finn, who took five wickets in two matches for England Lions against South Africa A last week, is by no ® means a like-for-like replacement for Woakes.
His style and angles of attack would be a challenge to Jake Ball more than anyone.
In fact, Ball’s performance at The Oval against Bangladesh, where his 1-82 was the third time in his last seven ODIs he has cost more than 80 runs, was a concern for England.
That gives Finn a good chance of playing against New Zealand if he can impress in the nets today.
“I have no preconceived perceptions about what is going to happen,” he said. “I am just going to attack these two training days as much as I can.
“If I get the call beyond that, then I will try my best for my country.”
Finn brings with him the experience of 102 ODIs but has more than his share of bad memories of England’s previous 50-over failures.
At the last World Cup in 2015 few will forget Brendon McCullum smashing his two overs for 49 runs as the Kiwis beat England by eight wickets.
Finn was also part of the squad for the 2013 Champions Trophy, playing just one match against South Africa in the semi-final.
“We got close in 2013 playing some excellent cricket,” he said. “We got undone in the final in a rain-reduced game. Here we are looking to go one better.
“Everyone’s energy is focused in trying to win this tournament.
“We expect an aggressive, hostile brand of cricket from New Zealand, which is great for the spectator and great to be involved in.”