Anderson, Finn fit for Ashes

Around 100,000 spectators expected for crucial Boxing Day Test.

MELBOURNE: England’s strike bowlers James Anderson and Steve Finn are fit to play in the crucial fourth Ashes Test against Australia, captain Andrew Strauss revealed.

Anderson had been troubled by a side strain but bowled at close to full pace in the MCG nets on Friday and Saturday and was given the all-clear by Strauss to play in the Melbourne Test.

“He had a bit of a niggle but he seems to have got over that,” said Strauss. “He’s 100 per cent fit and available for selection.”

Finn showed signs of fatigue as Australia claimed a series-levelling win in last week’s third Perth Test. But Strauss has backed the 21-year-old quick to handle the demands of the match.

“Finny has done some really good things on this tour, taken quite a few wickets. He was probably a bit expensive in Perth but he’s young and he’s learning and I think he’s going to keep getting better. We’re going to have to think about what that best balance is and we’ll name the side at the toss.

“There’s talk of nearly 100,000 people being there. It’s one of the highlights of your career, being able to play at the MCG in a Boxing Day Test.”

Meanwhile, Australia captain Ricky Ponting declared himself fit for the all-important Test after a strong training session yesterday, saying it could be the match of his career.

“Something pretty strange is going to have to happen today for me not to play tomorrow.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2010.