Steven Thomas Finn, widely known as Steven Finn, is a professional cricket player hailing from England. Born on April 4, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, Finn is a fast bowler with an imposing height of six feet and seven inches. He emerged as one of the promising young talents in English cricket during the 2010s, possessing exceptional pace and a unique trampolining bounce.
Finn’s cricketing journey began at a tender age when he made his debut for Middlesex at the age of 16 in 2005. His exceptional talent and skill soon caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his representation of England at various age-group levels, starting from the Under-16s category.
After displaying great potential, Finn had a breakthrough season in 2009 for Middlesex, where he made a significant impact by taking 53 wickets at an average of 30.64 in the County Championship. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team as an injury cover during England’s tour to Bangladesh in 2010. On his Test debut, Finn showcased his prowess with outstanding pace and bounce, leaving a lasting impression despite playing on a docile Chittagong surface.
Continuing his remarkable form, Finn made his home debut against Bangladesh later that year, where he displayed his mettle by single-handedly leading England’s attack with nine wickets at Lord’s – only his third Test match. His impact continued as he played a crucial role in Australia, playing a major part in turning the tide in England’s favor during the first Test at the Gabba. Additionally, he stepped up in the absence of an injured Stuart Broad and contributed significantly towards England’s victory in Adelaide.
Although Finn only featured in one Test match in 2011, his exceptional performances during the tour of India elevated his status in the one-day format, making him a strong contender for the limited-overs side. Unfortunately, his habit of knocking over the stumps in his delivery stride came under scrutiny when Graeme Smith highlighted it during a match at Headingley. This incident led to a change in cricket laws, deeming any wicket taken after a bowler disturbed the stumps as a no-ball.
In the following years, Finn faced various challenges in his cricketing journey. A tumultuous period starting in 2013-14 resulted in him being deemed “not selectable” during England’s tour of Australia, forcing him in and out of the side. His confidence took a hit due to constant tinkering with his action, prompting him to experiment with a shortened run-up, which affected his rhythm.
However, Finn managed to rebuild his confidence under the guidance of Middlesex bowling coach Richard Johnson. He made a significant impact during the 2015 Ashes series, taking six wickets in a single innings at Edgbaston. Despite a decent performance in England’s victory in South Africa the following season, Finn’s international career took another unexpected turn when he lost his place in the limited-overs squad shortly after making his return to Test cricket.
In 2016, Finn failed to impress during Test matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh, resulting in limited opportunities at the international level. While a few ODI appearances followed the next season, it marked the conclusion of his international career.
Yet, Finn’s contributions to English cricket remain notable. With a respectable Test average of 30, his pace and bounce troubled many opposition batsmen. Although his career encountered setbacks, Finn’s memorable performances and his dedication to constantly improve continue to inspire aspiring young cricketers.
