England Captain Alastair Cook believes that fast bowler Steven Finn, who is likely to replace injured Ben Stokes in the England side for the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston starting Wednesday, will bring back fond memories of his series-defining performance on the same venue against Australia during last summer’s Ashes Test.
According to Independent.co.uk, England’s captain admitted to having a sleepless nights before deciding Finn, rather than Jake Ball, was the man to replace the injured Ben Stokes for this decisive third Test against the visitors.
"He cares deeply about playing for England and doesn't want to let anyone down. Finn is back at the venue where he produced his Test-best figures a year ago, with eight wickets in a memorable Ashes success. He's a huge talent," said Cook.
Both seamers were dropped after the defeat in the first Test at Lord’s as the attack leader, Jimmy Anderson, and the all-rounder Ben Stokes returned from respective shoulder and knee issues. But when the latter tore a calf muscle during the series-leveling 330-run win at Old Trafford, a space immediately reopened, the Guardian reported.
Stokes, 25, has made just two Test appearances this summer and has had three injuries in the past nine months that have kept him on the sidelines.
Finn, 27, had played in the first Test at Lord's but was dropped for the next one at Old Trafford, where England won to level the series at 1-1.
Joe Root scored 254 and an unbeaten 71 while the skipper made 105 and 76 not out as Pakistan were beaten by 330 runs on the fourth day of the second test last week.
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