14 Dec 2015 | Cricket
Pace bowler Steven Finn has been added to the England Test squad for the four-match series against South Africa beginning later this month following his recovery from a foot injury.
Finn developed a bone stress injury during the early stages of the Test series against Pakistan in October and was forced to return home ahead of the first Test to begin his recovery.
Finn is currently in the UAE with England Lions where he has continued his back to bowling programme which has included two T20 matches against Pakistan A on Friday and Sunday. Finn will now travel to South Africa and join up with the rest of the squad in Potchefstroom. The first match of the tour starts tomorrow at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom against a South Africa Invitational XI.
Steven Finn said: I've been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions. I've bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine. I'm excited by the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa.
Alex Hales will open the batting for England in the first Test with South Africa in Durban, coach Trevor Bayliss has confirmed.
The Nottinghamshire star has impressed for England in one-day cricket, but he will be making his Test debut on Boxing Day as captain Alastair Cook's opening partner.
Bayliss, speaking after England's first training session at Potchefstroom, said: Halesy has been with the squad for the last couple of series without getting a game.He's the only other opener in the squad so I doubt very much anyone else will take that slot. He deserves his opportunity at the top of the order to try and make that spot his own.
The returning Nick Compton and Gary Ballance are battling it out for the No 3 spot, and Bayliss said both men would be given an opportunity to stake a claim.
We've got two very important practice matches before the first Test which could go a long way towards finalising that position, he said.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson will lead the attack, whilst Mark Footitt, who is on his first tour, will be battling with Steven Finn, Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes to play.
Trevor Bayliss has high hopes for the left-arm quick, He's got a little bit of pace and being left-handed, that's something different, he said.
And he swings the ball. If anyone can bowl with decent pace and can swing the ball, that can cause problems for the batters. This tour could be a big one for him.
Ben Stokes is back in the fold and Bayliss says the Durham all-rounder is on track to play after recovering from the shoulder injury which he suffered against Pakistan.
He's got a little bit of pace and being left-handed, that's something different, he said. And he swings the ball. If anyone can bowl with decent pace and can swing the ball, that can cause problems for the batters. This tour could be a big one for him.
Ben Stokes is back in the fold and Bayliss says the Durham all-rounder is on track to play after recovering from the shoulder injury which he suffered against Pakistan.
We are trying to find the best combinations and best players, people who nail down places and become automatic selections, through the wickets they take, runs... the contribution they make to the side.
There's a lot to play for internally in the next 10 days for the lads. That means the net sessions after today are going to be fairly intense, with people trying to prove a point.