Steven Finn has a 'point to prove' after late England call-up to Ashes squad
Wednesday 1 November 2017 22:27, UK
Steven Finn says "he has a point to prove" to selectors after receiving a late call-up to England's Ashes squad.
Finn, 28, was originally omitted from England's party for the five-Test series in Australia, but was later added, with Ben Stokes' participation still in doubt.
Finn admits he has it all to do if he is to work his way into the side for the first Test in Brisbane on November 23.
"You have always got a point to prove when you're in an England shirt," said Finn. "When you're a late call-up to the squad and have been out of selection for the last six months or so, you definitely have a point to prove.
"I'm comfortable in the environment, I'm comfortable having known that I've played with these guys before and have performed in an England shirt. It is just giving myself the best opportunity to go out there and do that."
Finn admits the circumstances surrounding his late call-up are far from ideal, but insists England have enough strength in depth to cope with the potential loss of Stokes.
"Ben is obviously a big player and has been for the last few years but, just like with an injury, whatever the circumstances if someone is not here, we have 16 guys here who are all very capable cricketers," said Finn.
"He is obviously a big gap to fill in the side but we feel we are more than capable, with the amount of all-rounders and back-up bowlers that we have, of making the most of being without him.
"We will get the most out of everyone we have got here, most definitely."
Finn also insisted that the miserable circumstances of the 2013/14 Ashes tour would have no bearing on his preparations for the current series.
His loss of form with the ball four years ago meant he played no part in any of the 5-0 Test whitewash and was the axed from the ensuing ODI series, with coach Ashley Giles describing him as 'not selectable'.
Finn said: "I'm a lot older now ... and I'm getting pretty bored and sick of talking about it.
"I've played in an Ashes series (since), got man-of-the-match in an Ashes Test, won an Ashes series, played down here since then - so I think any psychological scars that people wanted to talk about I've pretty well proved there's nothing there.
"It happened. Everyone has peaks and troughs in their career.
"Maybe it wasn't an ideal circumstance for it to happen. But it was good for me in my career, because I went back and realised what made me a good bowler."
England face a Western Australia XI side in Perth in a two-day game this weekend and Finn is expecting a tough test in the tourists' opening warm-up match of the tour.
"Even if we were playing a grade team they would be baying for our blood when it comes to playing this first game," he said.
"We are very much looking forward to getting into the tour. Having had a couple of days preparation, I think things are going to build nicely as we go through the warm-up games."
