• South Africa in England 2012

Strauss: Finn pressing for Test place

Steven Finn tormented the Australian batsman © PA Photos

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Andrew Strauss admits he has been impressed by Steven Finn's contribution in the one-day series against Australia, and the fast bowler may have done enough to earn a start in the first Test against South Africa.

Finn was part of the England side that completed a 4-0 series victory over Australia at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Their seven-wicket win once again saw them outclass the visitors, who remain the No. 1 ODI side in the world.

Middlesex seamer was one of the standout performers for England, delivering the best bowling figures of the series when taking four for 37 at Chester-le-Street. He also finished as the leading wicket-taker with eight victims.

England now divert the attention back to the Test scene when then host South Africa, and Finn could barely have done more to press his claims. James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan have been used more frequently in recent Tests, but Strauss admits Finn is difficult to ignore.

"He's had the Aussies hopping around, he's a genuinely fast, combative bowler now," Strauss told Sky Sports News. "He's going to be pushing hard for a Test place now, as are one or two other seamers.

"When he does get the chance, I'm sure he'll take it. He'll be there or thereabouts. The final XI is chosen close to the start of the match depending on conditions, but he's one of four or five who has a strong claim."

Assessing the performance of the England ODI squad, Strauss had nothing but praise for a team that could have taken the world No. 1 ranking, had one of the matches not been abandoned due to rain.

"It's been an outstanding team performance in the series, Australia are a strong one-day side - they're the No. 1 in the world - so to win so convincingly is a great testament to what Alastair Cook and Andy Flower are doing.

"There's certainly plenty of guys who are putting their hands up for selection in the Test team. It gives us good momentum going into the South Africa series."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.