A settled Steven Finn admitted he is loving life back in the Middlesex ranks as he looks to bowl his way into the Ashes series.
It has been two years since the 26-year-old last played for England in Test cricket but, according to bowling coach Richard Johnson, he is in the form of his life.
He picked up four wickets as Middlesex claimed a rare Twenty20 Blast victory against Essex and bagged another four in the first innings against Somerset.
Finn endured a difficult 2014 after he was sent home from Australia and deemed ‘unselectable’ after losing confidence, but Middlesex and Johnson have put him back onto an even keel.
“I’m enjoying my cricket. Last summer I was fighting myself, this year I’ve been able to relax and enjoy it as much as I can and it’s going okay,” Finn said.
“I love opening the bowling. I’ve opened the bowling with Murts (Tim Murtagh) for five, six years since we’ve been together.
“It’s nice to have a settled role in the team and I really enjoy it. James Franklin, with his left arm swingers, makes a difference.
“We’ve got a good, balanced attack and it’s important to keep bowling well and challenge for the title.”
Finn, of course, would love to feature for England in the Ashes series, but his main focus is to continue to bowl well.
He added: “My crystal ball is locked in the loft so I’ve got no idea what’s going to happen.
“I want to try and keep bowling well. If I have rhythm and get a call then hopefully I can do myself justice.
“If not, then I can be satisfied that I’ve given myself the best chance to go out there and do well. I’m in a very happy place at the moment. I feel like I’m bowling well and that’s the most important thing.”
