Finn stakes claim for Test spot

PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: Fast bowler Steven Finn took four of the first six wickets as South Africa A collapsed to 136 all out on the first day of their three-day match against the touring English team at the City Oval on Sunday.

England reached 64 for no wicket before bad light brought an early end to the day.

Finn, who was added to the touring party after recovering from a stress injury to his left foot, took four for 34 to make a strong claim for a place in England's line-up for the first Test against South Africa, starting in Durban on Saturday.



England fielded their probable Test batting line-up but rested opening bowler James Anderson. In Anderson's absence, uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt and Finn were probably competing for the right to join Anderson, Stuart Broad and all-rounder Ben Stokes in the Test pace bowling attack.

Footitt struck the first blow against the South African second string when he had Reeza Hendricks caught behind for 13 after England won the toss and decided to bowl in overcast conditions.

Broad dismissed Rilee Rossouw, who is in the South African Test squad, before Finn ripped the heart out of the batting line-up with the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Omphile Ramela, Khaya Zondo and Dane Vilas.

Stokes took three for 25, running through the South Africa A tail.

Opening batsman Stephen Cook, son of former South Africa player Jimmy, was the only player to defy the English bowling attack on a well-grassed pitch, carrying his bat for a patient 53 off 170 balls.