Steven Finn has suffered a foot injury during a warm-up game ahead of England and Pakistan’s first Test in Abu Dhabi. Reports suggest he tried to battle through the pain during a practice session on the cricket nets, but has been ultimately ruled out.
The first Test starts today (October 13th), and England captain Alastair Cook described the loss of Finn as a “bitter blow” following a hugely successful 12 months for the fast bowler. Finn, 26, took four wickets against Pakistan A last week, which put him in contention for a spot in the team.
“After the warm-up game, he complained of a pain in his foot. Yesterday he bowled pretty well in the nets, and got through. But obviously it’s got worse,” Cook explained.
It is not yet known whether Finn will be fit for the remainder of the series. According to Cook, spinner Adil Rashid will instead make his Test debut and veteran James Anderson will also return. Moeen Ali is set to open the batting.
Finn is not the only player to suffer a setback in the nets; Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah is also doubtful for the first Test. The 29-year-old, who waited nine years to play international cricket after making his first-class debut in 2002, has suffered a suspected back spasm.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admitted his team were “really concerned” about Shah’s potential injury, adding that he is a key player. It is thought he will undergo a late fitness test to see whether he is healthy enough to play in the opener.
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