'We stuck to our guns really well' (From Watford Observer)

Steve Finn gives his verdict after day one of third Test between England and New Zealand

9:46am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Steve Finn has backed his England bowling team-mates after the tourists endured a difficult first day of the third and decisive Test in Auckland against New Zealand.

The Watford-born bowler took the only wicket to fall, getting Hamish Rutherford caught at first slip by Alastair Cook for 37, as Peter Fulton (124 not out) and Kane Williamson (83 not out) took the hosts to 250 for one at the close.

“One wicket wasn’t ideal but they haven’t got away from us,” the former Parmiter’s School pupil told BBC Sport. “If we can get quick wickets tomorrow, we will be in a good position.”

Cook’s decision to field looked to have backfired as Fulton and Williamson put on an undefeated 171 for the second wicket on a flat Auckland wicket, although England restricted their opponents to less than three runs per over.

“When we looked at the wicket this morning there was a lot of grass on it,” Finn said. “But it hasn’t done as much as we thought it would.

“It’s good that we didn’t go chasing the game too much and leak boundaries. We stuck to our guns really well.

“As we have done in the past, we have to find a way on flat wickets.”

The bowler finished day one with economical figures of one for 61 off 22 overs, including six maidens.

Both sides went into the game with the series tied at 0-0 after the opening two Tests both in draws.