Finn ready to step up

Steven Finn believes he is more than capable of taking on further responsibility after fellow paceman Stuart Broad was ruled out for the remainder of the tour of Australia.

Finn is the joint leading wicket-taker with Graeme Swann in this Ashes series with nine and, after Broad was ruled out for 10 weeks, feels he has what it takes to step up another level.

“I enjoy responsibility but at the expense of 'Broady', whose been an outstanding bowler for England in the last three or four years so to lose someone like him is a big loss, but it’s important we try and fill his boots as best as we can,” the Middlesex paceman said.

The 21-year-old has coped very well so far in his maiden Ashes series but admits he has a lot to learn before he becomes the finished article.

“There’s still bits I can improve on very much so. To take wickets has been nice and to get important wickets has been nice as well and I’m glad I am contributing to the team," he added.

“I’m playing in the hardest fought series I’ve ever played in. To play against Bangladesh and Pakistan was testing at times but against Australia in their own back yard is testing all the time so it’s important I keep learning and try not to make the same mistake twice.”

Register for daily Ashes emails with match highlights, Swanny's video diary and exclusive updates throughout the Ashes!