Finn gets Clarke backing
July 10, 2012 14:54:43 UK
Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed England paceman Steve Finn's credentials ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.
Steve Finn has been England's top bowler in the ODI series with Australia.Middlesex beanpole Finn destroyed the Australian top order with four wickets in the decisive match of the NatWest Series at the Riverside last Saturday, including knocking out Clarke's off-stump.
However, although the 6ft 8ins paceman is in supreme form, there is no guarantee that he will play in the first Test against Graeme Smith's South Africa at the Kia Oval on 19th July.
The 23-year-old featured in England's last Test, the rain-ravaged draw with West Indies at Edgbaston, after James Anderson and Stuart Broad were rested, but could face the axe once more, just as he did in the 2010-11 Ashes when he was dropped after three matches despite being the most prolific bowler on either side.
"It's a different form of the game, but he's bowled well and it doesn't matter what form of the game it is, if you bowl like that you are going to get wickets," said Clarke.
"If he's not in it means there are some really good bowlers in front of him as well. I am sure he is pushing hard for selection. He played the last Test against West Indies, so he's not far away. He is young, fit and bowling well.
"You have to find a way to not get out to him firstly, and then score runs. I thought he bowled really well in Australia, in the Ashes, and he's getting better."
Finn has 56 wickets in 14 Tests but the selectors may plump for Tim Bresnan for the role of third seamer as his ability with the bat adds depth to the lower order.
England are 81.00 to win the series, with the Proteas 1.28 and the draw 3.75.
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