Paceman Steven Finn is closing in on a return to the England set-up
Saturday 12 December 2015 08:35, UK
Captain Alastair Cook says he thinks paceman Steven Finn will be fit enough to join the England squad on their tour of South Africa at some point.
But Cook says Finn will not be fit enough to take part in the first match of the four-Test series, which starts on Boxing Day.
Finn missed the 2-0 series defeat to Pakistan after he injured his foot during a warm-up match, and he was then omitted from the 16-man squad for the South Africa tour.
However, Cook says the bowler has recovered more quickly than expected and should be available to bolster the attack at some point.
"I don't think he is going to be ready to bowl in the first Test quite yet," said Cook, just before flying out.
"But Steven has made big strides over the last couple of weeks. He is probably a couple of weeks ahead of where we thought he would be, so that is really encouraging for him.
"I think he'll join us sooner rather than later."
Cook also confirmed that Alex Hales, who opens for England's limited-overs side, is likely to get the first opportunity to fill the vacant spot alongside the skipper at the top of the order.
"From where Trevor (Bayliss, coach) spoke at the end of Pakistan, he will certainly be given the first opportunity at it," said Cook.
"You cannot guarantee anyone a first Test place when you are sitting here in a Heathrow hotel but he has got a great opportunity.
"We know, when he is in form, as you have seen in County Championship cricket, he can get on a run, and be very destructive.
"I think over the last six months or so, in international cricket, he would have experienced a lot, from not scoring too many runs in the Australia one-day series to really bouncing back (against Pakistan).
"It is going to be an exciting time for him."
However, Cook pointed out that the likes of recalled duo Gary Balance and Nick Compton will also be jostling for spots in a reshaped batting line-up, which will feature a new opening partner for Cook and a new number three following the dropping of Ian Bell.
"Nick (Compton) has got a great opportunity now too, we haven't quite got a settled top seven," said Cook.
"With Gary (Ballance) coming back, and Nick coming back, they've had a taste of it before, so there's a real opportunity for people to stake their claim.
"There's an opportunity for people to put their hands up and make a name for themselves."
Watch South Africa's four-Test series with England live on Sky Sports, starting with the opener on Boxing Day from 7.30am on Sky Sports 2.
