Fast bowler Steven Finn insists he is ready to step into Stuart Broad's shoes and lead England's attack in the second Test against Sri Lanka next week.
Middlesex seamer in line to win his 13th Test cap in Colombo
Fast bowler Steven Finn insists he is ready to step into Stuart Broad's shoes and lead England's attack in the second Test against Sri Lanka next week.
Broad is heading home after being ruled out with a calf strain and his replacement as James Anderson's new-ball partner comes down to a straight choice between Finn and Tim Bresnan.
Finn - with 50 wickets in his 12 Tests to date at an average of 26.92 - looks to be in pole position to come into a side that has lost its last four Tests.
The Middlesex seamer has not played a Test since facing Sri Lanka on home soil last June but is keen to take his chance in a challenging environment in Colombo.
It will be hot and steamy work attempting to prize out the Sri Lankan batsmen on what promises to be a spinner-friendly dustbowl at the P Sara Oval.
Finn told
Sky Sports: "Obvioulsy we don't know who is going to play but if I do get my opportunity I feel as though I am ready to take it.
Testing
"It is obviously going to be testing conditions out here for seam bowlers but that is the way it goes. I personally like challenges and if I am given the nod in this game I will be looking to try and win my place back."
While determined to take his chance, Finn has sympathy for Broad. He added: "Broady is a huge player for us, he is a very important player.
"We have got guys in the wings who can back him up we hope. People who are proven performers before, but Broady is a massive part of this team in every format of the game and he will be missed.
"As a fast bowler you know that your body is under pressure all the time and Stuart has played every form of cricket for a long time now, so it might be catching up with him a little bit.
"The schedule is hectic at times but again that is part and parcel of being a fast bowler and being an international sportsman."
England need to win in Colombo to square the two-match series at 1-1 and retain their number one Test ranking ahead of the summer series against West Indies and South Africa.
