Finn strengthens England Test credentials with four for 34

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (Reuters)-Steven Finn bowled himself into contention for a return to England’s lineup after taking four wickets yesterday on the opening day of the last warmup game before they begin the Test series against South Africa on Boxing Day.Finn was only drafted into the squad last week, but underlined his credentials against South Africa A by taking four wickets for 34 runs at the City Oval.
England bowled out their opponents for 136 runs and scored 64 without reply before bad light curtailed the game and stumps were drawn.
Finn, who was forced out of the Test series against Pakistan in October after injuring his left foot, was flown over to South Africa after impressing for England Lions in two comeback appearances against Pakistan A in Dubai.
His showing on Sunday will have increased his chances of joining James Anderson and Stuart Broad in a three-pronged seam attack for the first test in Durban.
Ben Stokes, who is also making his way back from injury, took three wickets.
England will resume today with Alastair Cook unbeaten on 36 and Alex Hales on 28.

While I do think that performance will have made a big impression on the England selectors, I think the consistency he shows will count more in regards for getting selection.

For a 3 pronged attack, there's only Finn that's a credible candidate for that 3rd slot anyway in my opinion if that's the way the selectors choose to go.

If Finn is fit, there is no question he plays, especially with Wood out injured. Finn has been brilliant since returning to International cricket again this year. His average (27.92) across all three formats of the game is almost identical to his career average (27.18).

For his Test career, Finn has a strike rate of 47.2. That ranks him 10th all time among bowlers with a minimum of 100 Test wickets. That is a better strike rate than the likes of Croft, Trueman, Garner, Hadlee, Holding, Johnson, Malinga, Lillee, Willis, Lee, Thomson and Ambrose.

Dilly,

Is Jimmy just resting?

I know he played the first game as 3rd change.

Yes, Mail. Everything I have read suggests that Jimmy is simply resting and will be raring to go come the first Test. At his age, its probably wise for both he and England to reduce the wear and tear on his body.

Finn being fit would.be an added bonus for England as I really thought he had no chance of playing in either of the first two Tests. His place in the side would be especially welcomed given the injury to Mark Wood. A fully fit Finn is a pretty big upgrade over Woakes/Jordan/Footit.

As a long standing Middlesex member, I would like to see Finny do well but I like Jordan as I cannot really separate their bowling to a significant degree and Jordan adds another dimension.

The selectors have been obsessed with Woakes for quite some time now but I am not sold on him at all.

Fottit will hopefully evolve.

All said I am hoping Finny plays and does well.

I think we stand an excellent chance to bring this series home.

As it turns out, perhaps I spoke too soon as it would appear that Jimmy has a calf injury and his status of the first Test is up in the air. This would be a bit of a blow and makes Finn's recovery even more important.