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'We stuck to our guns and made the Indian batsmen come to us'

Source:PTI
January 20, 2015 17:21 IST

Steven Finn of England celebrates with James Tredwell and Stuart Broad after dismissing Ajinkya Rahane of India during the Brisbane ODI. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

He scripted a memorable comeback snapping five wickets to set up England's nine-wicket win over India in the tri-series and pacer Steven Finn
said he was happy to see that his hard work finally paid off. 

"It's just nice to help England win a game of cricket. A lot has happened in the last 12 months. It was pretty much to a day where I went home from that tour of Australia. But that corner has been turned and I turned it a while ago," said Finn in the post-match press conference.

"All that stuff is in the past now and I am just looking forward. To take five wickets today was very pleasing after the work I have put in. 

"I always thought in my mind that it was possible to return to Australia and perform. To come here and be in the same hotels and get over those hurdles has been good fun and I am enjoying it," added the lanky pacer. 

'It was partly the way we bowled and partly the wicket'

Steven Finn of England appeals during the One Day International against India at The Gabba. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The 25-year-old Englishman said he was happy with the Gabba pitch that assisted him in taking 5-33 as India were bowled out for just 153 runs with James Anderson also taking 4-18. 

"The pitch bounced a lot especially from my end. And I could bowl a fullish (sic) length and it was coming at waist height which can be uncomfortable for anyone," he said. 

"It was partly the way we bowled and partly the wicket. But we used that to our advantage and as a bowling unit we stuck to our guns really well and made the Indian batsmen come to us. 

"It is always tough to go out and defend a 150-run target. We have a couple guys who are in good touch and you know it's always tough in that situation. Our seam bowlers bowled very well today and Moeen Ali also supported us well. He gave us a break today as well in the heat and it was very good as well," he added.

'I wouldn't read too much into one one-day innings'

Steven Finn of England celebrates with teammates after dismissing Axar Patel of India at The Gabba. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The Indian batsmen played too many rash strokes and as such there was only one proper partnership between Stuart Binny and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Interestingly, Virat Kohli, who had a terrific Test series, again failed scoring only four. 

When asked about Kohli, Finn said, "I wouldn't read too much into one one-day innings. He is an outstanding player and has the respect of everyone in our dressing room. The way he played in the Test series here against a very good Australian attack was outstanding. 

"We won't say we have a hold over him. He is an excellent player and it was good to get him out cheaply today. If we keep doing that we will be happy because he is a very good player."

'We just want to keep building momentum'

Steven Finn of England salutes the crowd as he leaves the field after taking 5 wickets against India at The Gabba. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

England next play Australia in Hobart on Friday. The winner of that match will almost be assured of a place in the tri-series final on February 1 in Perth.

Finn said: "We have only won one game in Australia so far. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves and we just want to keep building momentum.

"Obviously this tri-series is a tough proposition for us, playing number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the world. But today's win gives us confidence in the way
we have beaten India today. 

"We just want to build that confidence and build the team under our new leader Eoin Morgan. Hopefully it will all come together and culminate in us doing well at the World Cup," Finn said.

Source: PTI
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