India v England: Steve Finn could miss final Test with back injury
India v England: Steven Finn is a doubt for the final Test against India after suffering a disc strain in his back
Steven Finn could miss England’s final Test against India in Nagpur due to a disc strain in his back.
The 23-year-old will have a fitness test during the warm-up before the first day’s play on Thursday.
England have options to replace the 6ft 7ins seamer including Graham Onions or Tim Bresnan, who was dropped after the first Test in Ahmedabad.
Nonetheless, they will not want to replace a bowler who they have been desperate to include throughout the series and clearly troubles the Indian batsmen with his pace and bounce.
England’s tour vice-captain Stuart Broad, who was dropped for the third Test in Kolkata, will definitely be unavailable after suffering recurrence of a bruised heel that has plagued him on off for much of the tour.
“We’ll know a bit more when it settles down,” said Alastair Cook of Broad’s injury.
Broad, who is England’s T20 captain, is due to lead to his side in two T20 internationals after the conclusion of the current Test series.
However, England’s medical staff will assess the 26-year-old over the next 24 hours to see if he will be fit to take the field for the first clash in Pune.
The Nottinghamshire seamer has had a tough tour as he has been blighted by injury that has affected his confidence and form.
Yet, Cook feels it will only be a matter of time before Broad will be back bowling at his best for England.
He said: “It’s the nature of sport, isn’t it? Some people have good tours and some people don’t.
“Unfortunately, more down to niggles and illnesses, Broady hasn’t quite managed to get into the tour.
“It’s frustrating for him and disappointing for us as a side. But we all know the class of Broady, and he’ll be back.”
