Finn: It has been very frustrating

England

Cricket365
December 20, 2013

Fast bowler Steven Finn will continue to push for a Test recall, despite slipping down the pecking order this year.

Finn remains a permanent fixture in the limited-overs XI, but has not played the longest form of the international game since July.

Fellow right-armer Chris Tremlett, the fit-again Tim Bresnan and all-rounder Ben Stokes have all garnered selection ahead of the lanky 24-year-old, while the Irish-born Boyd Rankin, too, is offering competition.

"It has been very frustrating. It's quite obvious that the bowling hasn't quite gone as I would have liked it to," said Finn.

"I've been working as hard as I possibly can and bowling as many overs as I possibly can in practice in the nets, trying to get it right. But it hasn't happened yet.

"I feel I'm moving in the right direction and I feel I'm getting there. But it hasn't been right up to this point, and that's why I haven't played."

The English, largely dominant en route to a three-nil series victory over the Australians in the United Kingdom earlier this year, have subsequently capitulated to the reverse result in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth this month.

"I think everyone is disappointed and gutted we've failed to retain the Ashes. That's what we wanted to do when we came here. Everyone wanted to do that, but it hasn't happened for us," added Finn.

"We've had a few days to clear the air and clear ourselves of as much baggage as we can – and we go into these next two Tests trying to win them and make it three-two in the series."

The fourth Test will get underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 December. The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the fifth and final match.

"We're playing at two of the best stadiums in the world. There will be 100,000 at the MCG on Boxing Day, and then the SCG is one of the most historic grounds in the world. I don't think it should be too hard for people to motivate themselves," he concluded.

England latest-news