Steven Finn 'ready to go' for England in the third Test against India

Series level 1-1

Steven Finn will be ready to take the new ball for England in the third Test if they need him to do so.

Finn once more demonstrated his recovery after a thigh strain in the nets at Eden Gardens this morning, and then declared himself fit for purpose if required against India on Wednesday.

The Middlesex fast bowler is thought likely to replace off-colour vice-captain Stuart Broad, who was ineffective in England's series-levelling victory in Mumbai.

Finn injured himself at the very start of England's Test tour and was therefore unavailable for the first two matches of four, in Ahmedabad and then at the Wankhede Stadium.

He bowled well and without pain, though, in a comeback match last week for the Performance Programme - also in Mumbai - and after several overs in the nets today, he confirmed his well-being.

"I did exactly what I planned to do today," he said.

"I bowled six overs in two spells, four and two, and I bowled well.

"If I'm needed on Wednesday I'm ready to go."

Finn was naturally disappointed to miss the first two Tests, but is hoping to finish the tour on a high as England seek series victory here for the first time since 1984-85.

"It wasn't to be," he said of his false start to this trip.

"But I've had a little bit of time out and I feel fresh for it.

"You can put a positive spin on it and say the rest of my body has had a chance to recover from the (English) season and Twenty20 World Cup.

"I feel fresh in my body; I feel good when I'm bowling in the nets now."

Broad also bowled in the nets this morning but is an unlikely participant this week, with England expected to stick with just two frontline seamers - the other will be James Anderson - and two spinners after their 10-wicket victory with that formula last week.

PA