Steven Finn wants to be England's No 3 seamer

Steven Finn is keen to claim England's third seamer position for this summer's Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The Middlesex fast bowler also admitted being disappointed he was overlooked for the recent World T20 in India.

Finn was omitted from the squad which travelled to India because of fitness concerns, although the 27-year-old claims he was in 'good shape'. He says he had overcome his calf problem but selectors opted to play safe.

As for missing out on the tournament in India, Finn said: "I bowled my first flat out session after that minor calf injury the day that England played their first World T20 warm up match.

"I was fully fit. I was so frustrated I wasn't there but the decision was made quite quickly - it was out of my hands.

"I told them I thought I'd be fit but it didn't happen. It was very frustrating and I was gutted for the guys but they were awesome. It is so disappointing not to get over the line in that final over."

As for playing in this summer's Tests, he added: "Stuart Broad and James Anderson are nailed-on, and the rest of us are fighting it out for that third seamer spot.

"So I'll have to perform in these first few Championship games."

I was fully fit. I was so frustrated I wasn't there but the decision was made quite quickly

Middlesex host Warwickshire in their opening County Championship match at Lord's on April 17, and Finn understands he needs to perform at his best: "It took me 18 months to two years to perfect the outswingers, to feel confident enough to do in a game.

"When I tried it early last year I think that was the turning point of my summer.

"I took that into the Edgbaston Test but even at the top of my run of the first ball I was going to bowl in that Edgbaston Ashes Test, I was still questioning whether I should try and swing it or whether I should just run in and hit the pitch and let the ball do the work.

"I'd worked so hard over the last couple of years to get that delivery right, why wouldn't I want to try it?

"Injuries since then have been frustrating but I can take solace from the fact that I know I am in the hunt to be in the England team in all three formats."