Steven Finn named as replacement for injured Chris Woakes

Steven Finn has been drafted into England’s squad for the remainder of their Champions Trophy to replace an injured Chris Woakes. The Middlesex fast bowler is predicted to directly enter the starting lineup ahead of their first match against the Black Caps on Tuesday. The 28-year old has had an impeccable first-class career having opened the bowling for Three Lions in their latest the Caribbean tour and was thus next in line to replace Woakes.

Chris Woakes was ruled out owing to a side strain during England’s win over Bangladesh. The pacer bowled only two overs at The Oval before leaving England with an injury scare. He was seen leaving the pitch after he complained of a severe pain on his left side. The right-arm medium pacer has emerged as one of the most dependable bowlers for England in recent months, impressing both with the new ball as well as in the death overs.

Speaking about the absence of Woakes, all-rounder Mark Wood was quoted as saying,” I’m comfortable doing it and we have got a number of people that can also. Liam Plunkett did it at the Oval, Ben Stokes has done it in India and in Twenty20 cricket, and done it really well. We have options.”

Finn could replace Rashid

Finn is speculated to come in place of leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Rashid was left out of the squad in their previous encounter against Bangladesh and is expected to suffer the same fate. David Willey also looks to be struggling to swing the white Kookaburra ball. Finn, who has 102 wickets from 69 ODIs and had reached the no. 2 spot in the world rankings back in 2012 has thus been dubbed as the perfect fit.

England will next take on the Kiwis in Cardiff. And a win could help them put one foot forward to the semi-finals. On the other hand, in New Zealand’s first clash of the tournament against Australia, both the teams shared a point each in a rain-abandoned match.