Finn gets England call-up, eager to seize opportunity
BIRMINGHAM: England fast bowler Steven Finn hopes to make the most of his late call-up to Champions Trophy duty when the tournament hosts face New Zealand in Cardiff today.
Finn was left out of England’s original squad for a tournament featuring the world’s top eight one-day international teams.
But the 28-year-old Middlesex quick was recalled on Sunday after pace bowling allrounder Chris Woakes broke down with a side strain after during England’s opening eight-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Oval on Thursday.
“It’s always frustrating when you are left out of squads, but you have to roll with the punches,” Finn told reporters in Cardiff on Sunday.
“If you get too downhearted it can affect you more.
“I just focused on keeping my head up and fighting my way back into the team.”
He added: “It’s obviously very sad for Chris Woakes, who is a good friend of mine, but I am glad that I’ve got the call.”
Finn could well go straight into England’s XI in Cardiff if, as happened against Bangladesh, they opt to play just the one spinner.
He sealed his return to international duty on the back of taking two wickets in front of the selectors for the second-string England Lions in a 144-run win over South Africa A at Northampton on Saturday.
“I knew James Whitaker and Mick Newell were there watching me,” said Finn. “You feel that pressure, I suppose, knowing they’re watching you to call you up for this game.
“But that is no different from every time I pull on an England or Lions shirt.”
New Zealand endured a frustrating washout in their Group A opener against Australia when seemingly well-placed for victory.
“The nature of this tournament is that every game is basically knockout,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, whose superb hundred was ultimately trumped by the rain.