Finn aims to fire his way back to England

STEVEN Finn is aiming to play his way back into the England fold – even if he has to go through the pain barrier to do so.

The 28-year-old was left out of England’s squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy and is now relying on his club form at Middlesex as he bids to force his way back into the England selectors’ thinking.

However, fast bowling at full pelt takes its toll on the body, revealed by Finn in particularly gruesome fashion.

“I have had my toenails removed surgically a couple of times,” said the Middlesex paceman. “It is not the most pleasant thing to go through, so I have had to tape them up every time before playing.

“We put our bodies through it, but I love playing cricket and to go out there and represent England and Middlesex, you take a bit of pain.

“I do a fair amount of yoga, go running, work in the gym – we are a very professional outfit now.

“We look after ourselves to make sure we are available as often as we can. Fast bowling is a very strange thing to do to your body but we do it because we love it.

“The aim is to be in those England squads.

“I have missed out on the Champions Trophy so my next aim is the Tests; to hopefully keep bowling well for Middlesex and see where that gets me.”

Middlesex’s One-Day Cup campaign produced little joy and Finn’s side dive back into the longer form of the game in the County Championship today.

As they bid to rack up their first victory of the season at Lord’s today, they face a tough task in the form of early pacesetters Surrey.

Finn and co have drawn both of their previous two four-day outings – against Hampshire and Essex.