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Fit-again Finn available for third Test
England fast bowler Steven Finn, who missed the first two Test matches against India due to thigh injury, declared himself available for the third Test, beginning in Kolkata on Wednesday.
"If I'm needed, I'll be ready for the (third) Test. I've bowled about six overs at the nets and feeling quite okay," Finn, who proved his fitness bowling England's Performance Programme team to victory against DY Patil Academy XI with impressive figures of four for 50 at Mumbai last week, said.
"It feels really nice if your bowling coach is impressed. But I'm not the one who is going to read too much into it. I would stay in my bubble," he added.
There was some concern that the key English pacer would be ruled out of the entire four-Test series after he missed the first Test in Ahmedabad but he stayed with the team for a rehab before proving his fitness in a three-day match against DY Patil Academy XI from November 27 to 29.
"For sometime, I felt I would have to leave early. Previously I thought to be back by the second Test, but it took longer than I expected," he added.
Finn likely to replace Broad
The tall pacer may come into the team in place of a struggling Stuart Board who went wicketless and did not bowl in the second innings in England's 10-wicket win over India in the second Test at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
Finn, however, defended Board, saying he was going through a bad patch.
"It's not that he is drifted away a million miles. He is a world class bowler with more than 50 Tests under his belt. I'm sure he will be out of this slump," said Finn.
In wake of the furore over Eden pitch, Finn hoped that the wicket has something in store for all.
"I hope there is little bit for everybody. The practice wicket has been playing very true, very well.
"If that is any reflection then I think it (match wicket) would be a good wicket with spin later on.
"For fast bowlers, you need the attitude anywhere you bowl. We have done well so far and the attitude has been spot on. It's showing in the series also," he insisted.
'India always pose a great challenge'
Stating that he loves bowling in the sub-continental conditions, Finn said, "It poses different challenges and skills, like getting the reverse swing.
"Finn, who last bowled in an international match in Sri Lanka during the World T20, said it was frustrating not to be part of the victory celebrations after the Mumbai Test.
"It was quite frustrating to be not part of the celebration (in the middle) after the Wankhede Test victory. It was not a nice feeling as I was at the other end."
On whether Sri Lanka and Pakistan have served preparations for the India series, he said, "It's nothing like that. But yes, this series was always on the back of our mind. India always pose a great challenge. We are obviously trying to win it here."
Asked if he was looking to get the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar, who is not in form at the moment, Finn said, "India have a great batting line-up and to get the wicket of somebody you have admired as you grew would be quite a big thing."