Finn Ruled out of World T20

Steven Finn has been ruled out of the World T20 after failing to recover from an injury. The fast bowler picked up a calf strain on the tour of South Africa, and although he missed the limited overs series against the hosts, England were hopeful he would return in time for next month’s competition.

However, that has not been the case and the 26-year-old has been replaced in the squad by Liam Plunkett, who has also struggled with injury problems lately. Plunkett’s inclusion indicates the selectors have gone for a like for like replacement. There was speculation Stuart Broad could be set to make a return to the T20I fold, but the world’s best Test bowler will not be part of England’s touring party.

Finn’s injury will come as a major blow to England. They come into the tournament on the back of five consecutive defeats to South Africa, with many pundits suggesting that Finn would help to spice up an England attack which at times looked toothless against the Saffers.

While Chris Jordan demonstrated his death bowling credentials in the first T20I against South Africa, he was much less impressive in the second match as AB de Villiers made light work of the England bowlers. Reece Topley, who has shown plenty of promise, and Ben Stokes, were also hit around the park by de Villiers and Hashim Amla as South Africa’s batsmen devastated the England attack.

It remains to be seen if Plunkett will come straight into the side or if England will start the tournament with the bowlers who were originally in the squad. David Willey was dropped after the first T20I but is likely to be in contention for England’s opening game.

England will now be keen to ensure Finn is fit for the summer, when England face potentially tricky series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.