Birmingham, United Kingdom: England fast bowler Steven Finn said it felt “fantastic” to be back among the wickets in Test cricket after taking six wickets in Australia’s second innings in the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
The Middlesex paceman had been in the wilderness, so far as Test duty had been concerned, after being dropped following an off-target spell in the 2013 Ashes series opener at Trent Bridge.
That was arguably nothing compared to a wretched time on England’s woeful 2013/14 tour of Australia, which saw Finn, struggling with his action and low on confidence, sent home early after then limited overs coach Ashley Giles declared him to be “not selectable”.
But, having taken two wickets in Australia’s meagre first innings 136, the 26-year-old Finn bagged five for for 45 in 13 hostile overs on Thursday’s second day. He then returned on Friday to remove Peter Nevill and finish with Test-best figures of six for 79 as England were set just 121 to win and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
“To pull a Test shirt back on has been great fun,” said Finn, a protege of former Middlesex and England fast-medium bowler Angus Fraser, now an England selector.
“There have been dark times along the way, but it makes those good times all the more satisfying.
“To be sat here and help put the team in this position, it feels pretty darn good to be honest with you.”
Australia opener Chris Rogers, who was Finn’s captain at Middlesex, recalled seeing the 6ft 7in Finn in tears during a county match at Edgbaston last season.
“Every cricketer goes through ups and downs no matter how high or how low. To come out the other side, it’s a good feeling,” said Finn.
“It’s been a while since I played Test cricket so to get a five-for on my first game back feels fantastic.”
