New Zealand v England: We must start second Test stronger, says Finn
New Zealand v England: Steve Finn urges the tourists to make a better start to the second Test after recovering to draw in Dunedin
Steve Finn has urged England to make a better start in Wellington after recovering from a disastrous first innings to draw the opening Test with New Zealand in Dunedin.
Finn produced a valiant 56 to help the tourists battle through the final day and finish on 451-6, denying New Zealand victory after an abysmal second day for Alastair Cook’s men.
“I had to do my job today as nightwatchman to see New Zealand off as long as I could,” said Finn.
“Now there’ll be some tired players in their dressing room for the Test match on Wednesday.
“It’s important we start well in Wellington as we didn’t here.”
England begun the final day 59 runs behind New Zealand after the hosts declared on 416-6, but Finn was resilient alongside Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott.
It was the 23-year-old’s maiden first-class fifty but Finn was still frustrated with the manner of his dismissal – the bowler was lbw on a sweep to Bruce Martin.
“I was trying to take it ball by ball. It was good to bat with Compo and Trott, those guys helped me through,” said Finn.
“I had smaller targets which is easier to get to as a lower order batsman.
He added: “To bat for so long and sweep across the line so close to tea wasn’t the best thing for the team.
“But thankfully we got the draw and we’ll take the momentum through to Wednesday for sure.”
