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England bowler Steven Finn keen to impress in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - NOVEMBER 21:  Steven Finn of England celebrates with Ben Stokes after dismissing Kaushal Silva of Sri Lanka A
Image: Steven Finn celebrates taking the wicket of Kaushal Silva during the tour victory over Sri Lanka A

England pace bowler Steven Finn is looking to the future with confidence after suffering a torrid spell in international cricket.

The Middlesex player was described by former limited overs coach Ashley Giles as "unselectable" after struggling with a remodelled bowling action in Australia last winter.

But with Stuart Broad and James Anderson nursing injuries that have kept them out of the current tour of Sri Lanka, Finn finds himself as England’s most experienced bowler on the sub-continent.

The 25-year-old was handed the new ball in England’s opening tour game against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Colombo on Friday and he duly dismissed the home side’s openers as Peter Moores’ side secured a 56-run victory on the Duckworth-Lewis method.

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Finn, who enjoyed a return to form in three matches against India at the end of last summer, will be keen to impress further on tour as he looks to complete his cricketing rebirth by earning a place in the squad for the tri-series against Australia and India in January and the World Cup which immediately follows.

"It's been tricky, but I suppose an encouraging end to the last year," said Finn.

"There were some tough times in there, but everyone goes through tough times in their career. The most important thing now is that I don't dwell on the past and look forward to the future.

"I've been through it. I've experienced things that I wish maybe I didn't experience at the beginning of my career. But it happens.

"You certainly learn more about your game when you're low. When you're high, you ride the crest of a wave.

"It's been a very worthwhile experience."

Finn remains uncomfortable with the suggestion he is clearly the lynchpin in the England bowling attack in Sri Lanka but he remains determined to earn his place in the World Cup squad.

"In terms of games played, I am (the most experienced here) - but I haven't played as much as the other guys over the last 12 months," he added.

"I suppose I'm down the pecking order a little bit but it's up to me to try to change that a little bit.

"I was given the new ball in this warm-up game, and I hope I'll get it again (on Sunday) - and that's really a chance for me to maybe make a statement and a point to be in that World Cup squad."

England face Sri Lanka ‘A’ again in Sunday’s final warm-up game ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Watch the opening match between Sri Lanka and England on Wednesday. Coverage gets underway on Sky Sports 2HD at 8:30am.

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