Cook Praises England Comeback King Finn

Alastair Cook has hailed Steven Finn for bouncing back from being sent home in 2014 to lead England to victory in the third Investec Ashes Test.

The bowler was named man of the match for taking eight wickets against Australia at Edgbaston, including 6-79 in the second innings, to help England forge a 2-1 series lead.

And Cook praised the Middlesex paceman for his character in his first England Test since returning from Australia early in the last Ashes series due to a loss of form and confidence.

"Sport has a great way of testing you, and for Steven Finn to come back like that was fantastic," Cook told Sky Sports Ashes.

"Standing there at slip for that spell, you thought they were going to get a nick every ball. It's a happy dressing-room for Finny.

"Finny must take credit for his comeback."

The only negative for England in their eight-wicket victory was James Anderson being ruled out of Thursday’s fourth Test at Trent Bridge through injury.

The seam bowler pulled up while bowling on Thursday with a side strain, and Cook said he is hopeful the 33-year-old will return for the fifth Test at the Oval.

"Sport is cruel. We were celebrating his birthday yesterday," Cook added. “It shows time is getting on - he's had a remarkable run of fitness.

"Unfortunately it's caught up with him a bit. He's devastated. Fingers crossed for The Oval, we might be able to get him there."