• England in India 2012-13

Finn urged to play leading role for England

ESPN staff
January 7, 2013
Steven Finn is set to take a leading role for England © PA Photos
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Steven Finn has been told to step up and take a leading role in England's attack for the one-day series in India.

With James Anderson and Graeme Swann both rested for the five-match series, Finn is the most experienced bowler in Ashley Giles' side.

Ahead of the first ODI, which begins in Rajkot on Friday, bowling coach David Saker has urged the Middlesex man to take command in an attack featuring Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meaker and James Tredwell.

"I think Steven Finn is probably the one that needs to take that role," Saker said. "We've had a chat about that and hopefully he will take that mantle.

"Tim Bresnan has played a lot of ODI cricket as well, so you hope he can lead. Losing Jimmy and Swanny from the group is going to make a little bit of difference but it's just good for someone else to stand up - and it's a great experience for them."

Saker hopes Bresnan's performances in the two Twenty20 internationals before Christmas is a sign of a return to form for the Yorkshire bowler, who has struggled since undergoing an elbow operation in 2011.

Saker added: "His elbow injury has had quite a little bit to do with [his form]. He's shown at times that he's back but he just can't seem to be consistent with it. In the two Twenty20s before Christmas I thought he was excellent. In the second one he stood up and was superb, so I'm confident he'll be a good bowler for us in this series."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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