Steven Finn
is unlikely to play in the first Test against India having missed
practice on Tuesday. The England fast bowler was forced off the pitch
after four overs of the first warm-up game
of the tour against India A and was subsequently diagnosed with a thigh
strain. Stuart Broad also missed the third warm-up game with a bruised
heel.
While Finn and Broad bowled with impressive pace at practice on Sunday,
it seems the England management were unwilling to risk two bowlers in
the same Test. Finn barely participated in fielding practice and did not
bowl a single delivery in the nets. While he is not thought to have
suffered any injury setback, it seems the England management are keen
not to risk his recovery; particularly in a Test that will be played in
hot, arduous conditions.
Broad, however, bowled several spells at full pace in practice on
Tuesday and appears certain to play. While it is possible that England
are attempting to steal a march on India and are simply keeping Finn
under wraps - Graeme Swann is the latest spinner to claim he has a
mystery delivery - that would be unlike them.
"The one thing you would say is, if there was a realistic chance of Finn
playing, then he probably would have had a long bowl today," England
wicketkeeper Matt Prior said after practise.
Finn's absence is likely to mean a recall for Tim Bresnan. Bresnan bowled increasingly well in the final warm-up game
and, with his ability to reverse swing the ball and bat at No.8,
England are set to prefer him to the spin option of Monty Panesar.
It could mean there is no place for Panesar. Samit Patel's good form
with the bat and his ability to fill the role of a defensive second
spinner will see him come into the side at No.6 as England, with a mind
to the balance of the side, ensure they bat deep. Panesar's modest
batting continues to count against him.
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