Finn itching for England return

Steven Finn hopes to be selected to take on India this week
4 December 2012

Steven Finn is eager for a piece of the action again as England continue their quest to win a Test series in India for the first time in almost 28 years.

Finn experienced what it was like to be on the outside looking in at a winning team when, in his absence as he continued his recovery from a thigh strain, England pulled off a famously unexpected success in Mumbai as his team-mates beat India by 10 wickets to level the four-match series at 1-1 - and he could only watch on television.

Finn was back in the nets on Monday morning and is raring to go for what would be his 17th cap, and he said: "It was a strange feeling and something I didn't enjoy missing out on, so I'm definitely keen to get in on the act if that happens this time."

He added: "It was difficult knowing that the lads were there in Mumbai, celebrating a win and being together, and I was on the other side (of the city) watching it on the TV."

Words of encouragement immediately followed, however, from bowling coach David Saker - who believes Finn may have the "x-factor" England need to help them make history here in the final two Tests, starting at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

The fast bowler duly demonstrated his well-being for the Performance Programme, an hour's drive away from England's hotel on the other side of Mumbai last week, taking four wickets in a wide-margin win over the DY Patil Academy.

After Monday morning's nets session, Finn afterwards confirmed he will be ready if England decide to pick him, instead of off-colour vice-captain Stuart Broad, as one of just two frontline seamers in the third Test.

Saker's praise has done no harm either, with Finn adding: "It's definitely encouraging for your bowling coach to be saying that about you. I know that when I've bowled on the trip so far I have bowled well. I've been in good rhythm; I had a good run-out in the EPP game the other day; I feel good."

He could not have said the same two weeks ago, after failing to prove his fitness in time for the first Test and then having a second scan on his injured right leg - which suggested a more serious strain than had initially been detected.

"I suppose there were a few doubts in my mind, especially after I pulled up before the second Test in pain," Finn said. "Thankfully we've got very good medical staff, and I had a little bit of time off - four or five days where I did absolutely nothing - and I haven't really felt it since."

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