Finn tipped to be stronger on England return
AXED England bowler Steven Finn will benefit from his spell away from the scrutiny that comes with playing on the international stage, according to Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser.
Finn, 24, was replaced in the England squad for this week’s third Ashes Test against Australia by Surrey’s Chris Tremlett, after struggling to perform in the narrow first Test victory at Trent Bridge, and has returned to Middlesex to play in this week’s County Championship match against Durham at Lord’s.
However Fraser, who featured in four Ashes series for England, believes Finn’s time away from the limelight will serve him well in the long term.
“He’s a young bloke and he’s done all his growing up and his learning in front of everybody’s eyes,” said Fraser, who took 177 wickets in 46 Test matches.
“I know he’ll be disappointed, but sometimes it’s quite nice to get away from it all, to groove yourself and get it right and come back.
“Jimmy Anderson had four or five years before he really established himself as an England bowler. Steven has had quite a bit of success early on but it’s just not happening for him at the moment.
“There are a few little things that he’s go to work at and careers aren’t straightforward.
“Players go away, sort it out, come back and perform to their highest level again.
“Hopefully he’ll get back to enjoying his cricket and start performing as we know he can.”
Spinner Monty Panesar was also included in England’s 14-man squad for the Old Trafford Test, which begins on Thursday, and would be the most likely addition to England’s strong bowling attack.
Meanwhile, in-form batsman James Taylor, 23, could win his first Test cap for 12 months should Kevin Pietersen fail to overcome a calf injury.