Andrew Strauss has insisted Steven Finn will reap the benefits of his short absence from international cricket as he prepares to return to the England team against Pakistan.
After making an excellent start to the summer by taking 15 wickets in two Tests against Bangladesh, Finn was omitted from the squad for the eight one-day matches against Australia and the Tigers to follow a strength and conditioning programme. The wisdom of leaving out Finn was open to question and the 21-year-old was thought to be concerned at missing out.
Stuart Broad also expressed his disappointment at being left out of the team for the Bangladesh series to pursue a similar programme but skipper Strauss claimed managing Finn in this way would bring out the best in him.
"Steven spent a lot of time strengthening and now we are seeing the fruits of that," said Strauss. "We're very excited about having him back on the field again.
"He has a different physique now. He bowled for long periods for Middlesex against Sussex recently and showed great rhythm. He is a player for the future and we have to see if he can continue the form he showed against Bangladesh.
"It is crucial for England to think about the longer term."
