Steve uses his strengths to get up to speed

New line-up: From left, Andrew Strauss, Andrew Strauss Eoin Morgan and Jonathan Trott yesterday ENGLAND’S newest fast bowler Steve Finn is determined to become the country’s answer to Australian great Brett Lee. The 6ft 7in seamer made his Test debut in Bangladesh this year, taking four wickets in two Tests. And the Middlesex player could retain his place against the same opposition at his home ground of Lord’s tomorrow. 

Finn admits his boyhood cricketing idol was Glenn McGrath. However, it is another Australian he could end up emulating given he is already regularly hitting the 90 miles per hour mark. Lee consistently reached the mid-90s when he bowled and, with his physical development far from over, Finn may offer England similar express pace in the years to come. ‘I’m bowling quicker now than I ever have because when I have opportunities to work on my strength I’ve used them,’ said the 21-yearold. ‘We had a speedgun out in Dubai when I was with the Lions [earlier this year] and I was consistently bowling 90mph in my opening spell.

‘It’s important for me that it’s not just one spell I can bowl 90mph but that I maintain that throughout the day. Being tall helps me. From the age of 15 I shot up but I was a genuine beanpole then. Now I’m like Arnold p compared to what I was.’
By Chris Stocks

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