Bowler Finn could stay with Middlesex until 2014

Oct 27 2009 By Jon Batham

MIDDLESEX fans have Angus Fraser to thank for holding on to their best young fast bowler – and that’s straight from the horse’s mouth.

Steven Finn put pen to paper on a three-year deal this week with an option for two more, all of which means he could be at Middlesex until at least 2014.

It’s a brave move from the 20-year-old pace bowler, who took 53 County Championship wickets last season and would have been a free agent at the end of 2010.

However, Finn insists it’s not a gamble to stay with the Second Division side as under Fraser, both personally and as a team, the only way is up.

"I’m convinced my development will happen quicker under Gus than anywhere else – especially for me being a bowler it is good to feed off someone of his experience.

"And I’m sure we’ll be in a better position at the start of next season to push for trophies and get back in the first division.

"As long as Angus is here the club will be heading in the right direction.

News of his new deal comes hot on the heels of his selection for the England Performance squad.

According to the England selectors, inclusion the B group as in Finn’s case indicates players are one to three years from England selection.

It also puts him in the frame for the England Lions tour early in the New Year.

But while glad he’s been noted, and has the chance to work with Alan Donald down in Pretoria next month, Finn insists he’s not getting ahead of himself.

He said: "It’s great to be involved. Too much is made of England players having to be in First Division clubs, and this shows if you take your wickets or make runs in Division Two you don’t fall off the radar."

"But I’ve not thought about England Lions, I just want to take wickets and impress wherever I play."

By the time Finn returns from South Africa, Fraser may well have secured the two fast bowling additions he told members at the recent forum he was after to strengthen the squad.

Far from being threatened by potential rivals for the new ball Finn claimed County Champions Durham had shown the value of a pace bowling unit which allowed players a breather during the season.

He added: "If you look at Durham they have a big core of fast bowlers and this helps guard against burnout.

"You probably need to bowl in 12 Championship matches a season and Murts (Murtagh) and I have been bowling 14.

"So we need players who are going to give us and Danny Evans strong competition."