Captain's praise for three-wicket Finn (From Watford Observer)

England captain Alastair Cook praises Steve Finn after England win one-day series against New Zealand

2:27pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Sport By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

England captain Alastair Cook claimed Steve Finn is “bowling as well as I’ve ever seen him bowl” after he produced an excellent display to help England thump New Zealand by five wickets to win the one-day series 2-1.

The Watford-born Middlesex bowler produced a stunning opening six-over spell, taking two for six to remove BJ Watling and Hamish Rutherford as the hosts were reduced to 11 for three.

Finn then returned later the innings to dismiss Nathan McCullum and although Brendon McCullum slightly spoilt the look of his figures by hitting him for two fours and a six in one over, the former Parmiter’s School pupil still finished with a fine three for 27 off nine overs as New Zealand were dismissed for 185.

All of the tourists’ top five made starts, with captain Cook top-scoring with 46 as they cantered to victory in 37.3 overs on 186 for five and complete a first one-day series international triumph over the Kiwis for 19 years.