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Steven Finn takes four wickets as England ring changes

Thursday 8 October 2015 18:16, UK

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Steven Finn boosted his hopes of playing against Pakistan in the first Test with four wickets in England's final warm-up game.

Steven Finn boosted his hopes of playing against Pakistan in the first Test with four wickets in England's final warm-up game.

Finn finished with figures of 4-5 from 11 overs - with seven maidens - against Pakistan A as England dismissed their opponents for 180.

Spinners Adil Rashid and Samit Patel took two wickets apiece, while Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett each grabbed one.

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Despite England bowling the opponents out, Pakistan A batted again, with it agreed before the game that both teams will have a day to bat each, Rashid and Plunkett adding a wicket more each to their tally before the close.

"I'd say I've staked a claim but I'd still be surprised if I played the first Test," said Finn, about his prospects of being part of England's seam attack in Abu Dhabi from next Tuesday.

"I think the guys bowled really well the other day, and it wouldn't surprise me if the team that was picked then is the team for the first Test. At the moment, I'm back-up to those guys but nothing is set in stone."

"I felt threatening all day so it's just about trying to keep that going and if I am called upon at any stage (making sure) I'm ready to go.

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SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 08: Steven Finn of England celebrates with James Taylor after dismissing Ali Asad of Pakistan A during day one of
Image: Steven Finn celebrates with James Taylor after dismissing Ali Asad of Pakistan A during day one of England's second warm-up game in the United Arab Emirate

"There will be disappointed people, regardless of who gets picked, but don't think the same attack is going to play all the way through the series.

"If you don't play the first Test, it's not the end of the world - there are two others in very quick succession."

When England bat on Friday, Alex Hales and Moeen Ali will open, each hoping for a big score to help secure the opener's berth alongside Alastair Cook for the first Test.

James Anderson has been working hard in the nets but will have to miss the Oval Test
Image: James Anderson was given a rest from bowling on Thursday

England made several changes for their final warm-up game, with pace bowlers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Mark Wood omitted, although all were offered the chance to bowl a few overs if they wished.

Cook has been left out of the batting line-up, but still captained the side for the morning session in the field, with Joe Root taking over for the second session and Ian Bell the third.

England team: Alex Hales; Moeen Ali; Ian Bell; James Taylor; Jonny Bairstow; Ben Stokes; Jos Buttler; Adil Rashid; Samit Patel; Liam Plunkett; Steven Finn

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