Finn set for New Zealand stint (From Watford Observer)

England and Middlesex bowler agrees one-month deal with Otago Volts

5:42pm Tuesday 18th October 2011 in Cricket By Anthony Matthews

Steve Finn will play domestic first-class cricket in New Zealand for a month following England’s one-day tour of India, the ECB has revealed.

The Watford-born Middlesex bowler will link up with Otago Volts ahead of their opening Plunket Shield match against Canterbury on November 7 and will be available for a further three games in the competition until the short-term deal ends on December 4.

The 22-year-old, who took nought for 50 during England’s eight-wicket second one-day international defeat to India yesterday, said: “I am delighted to be joining Otago Volts for four first-class games at the end of our one-day series in India.

“I felt it was crucial to get some four-day cricket under my belt prior to hopefully getting selected for England’s series against Pakistan in the UAE in January.

“Therefore when the opportunity to play in New Zealand came up, I jumped at the chance to join the Volts. I look forward to arriving in Dunedin and linking up with Vaughn Johnson and his squad and I hope to be able to contribute to a successful season for the Otago Volts.”

Otago Volts coach Johnson said: “To have the opportunity to use Steven to upskill, talk and play with our current stable of quicks will be of enormous benefit not only to our side but to the small group of very promising quick bowlers in our wider squad.

“The management group felt with what Finn brings on and off the field it was an opportunity we needed to grab with both hands.