Steven Finn reflects on 'what cost England' in Test series defeat to India, lauds James Anderson

Steven Finn says batting collapses "are what cost England" in their Test series defeat in India.

Rohit Sharma’s India beat Ben Stokes’ side 4-1, despite the tourists taking the opening Test with a historic victory.

The hosts hit back with four wins on the bounce to claim their triumph over England, concluding the series with a fifth Test win in Dharamshala on Saturday.

England found themselves in promising positions throughout the series following some impressive displays with both bat and ball, but they were regularly unable to sustain those bright periods.

Speaking to TNT Sports, ex-England paceman Finn outlined the “crux of the matter” for Stokes’ outfit, while also taking into account the quality of options India had.

“They [England] got themselves into a couple of very good positions in Tests two and three to be able to challenge India, and even in Test four I think they had a lead going into the third innings,” Finn said.

“So there have been times where they’ve tested India like no one has after the last 12 years.

“But clearly, those batting collapses when you get down to the crux of the matter, I think that’s a combination of the batter's skill, clearly, but also you have to nod your cap to how amazing India’s bowlers are and the plethora of options Rohit Sharma has at his disposal means that he always has the ability to break a partnership or take a wicket, because of how skilful those bowlers are.

“The batting collapses are what cost England the series, but there are a number of reasons why they happened.”

Despite England’s underwhelming performance with the bat, a sensational milestone was reached with the ball as James Anderson claimed his 700th wicket in the fifth Test.

The 41-year-old became only the third bowler in history to reach the landmark, while he is the only pace bowler to join the exclusive club.

Finn does not believe there will ever be another seam bowler like Anderson, who has been at the “forefront of English cricket for 20 years.”

“That’s something that can’t be sniffed at,” Finn said, reflecting on Anderson’s exceptional career for England that has spanned over two decades.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see it again from a seam bowling perspective. The fact that he’s always looked to evolve and get better I think is the reason why he has kept himself fresh and motivated for so long.

“Physically and technically he’s outstanding so that gives him the best opportunity to succeed. But the hunger and desire that he’s shown over a 21-year Test match career is something that we’ll never see again and something we should cherish while we still have him.”

Anderson has more wickets than the likes of Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn and Courtney Walsh, but does Finn believe the England bowler is the greatest of all time?

“I think that the wicket number suggests that he’s the best and for the longevity,” Finn answered.

“Some of those bowlers were great, great bowlers and their averages are probably better, but if you look at the whole package and you look at his ability to conquer different conditions, his ability to evolve and adapt over time I think leaves him as definitely the greatest English bowler there has ever been, clearly.

“He’s in the conversation in terms of the best there has ever been in world cricket.”

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