England Player Who Once Fought Madly With Virat Kohli, Leads The Race To Become Chief Selector

Virat Kohli in RCB jersey [Source: AFP]

In a recent development, Steven Finn, an England veteran who once fought against India legend Virat Kohli, is set to run for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Chief Selector role. Finn’s application for the role became available after former selector Luke Wright stepped down following an underwhelming Ashes Tour of the England Test team.

Steven Finn, once a fierce cricketer for his country, seems to have the backing of head coach Brendon McCullum for the role as ECB is set to make na appointment before the first Test against New Zealand on June 4.

The Rival Of Virat Kohli To Step Into Massive Responsibility

Steven Finn was known to have been punished by Kohli during the India vs England Test series back in 2012. Veteran English spinner Graeme Swann earlier recalled the battle between Finn and Kohli, where the duo fought against each other to prove a point.

A young Kohli and a young Finn were seen battling it out on Indian soil as the Indian batter got the better of the England pacer. As Graeme Swann recalled, they had a plan not to aggravate Kohli on the field since he would go berserk.

However, after Finn was smashed for a couple of fours, he went straight up to trigger him. Virat Kohli “roared up like a tiger”, and Finn, who doubled down, got smashed everywhere out of the park.

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Finn Up For A £150,000 Job!

Although Steven Finn was beaten comprehensively by Virat Kohli, the England player, who featured in 21 T20Is and 36 Tests, is now set to be up for a job that will pay him about £150,000.

The 37-year-old retired recently, as a persistent knee injury forced him to end his 18-year-long career with Middlesex, Sussex, and England back in 2023.

The former teammate of Brendon McCullum has also built a media career, working as a summariser for Test Match Special, and was present in Australia for TNT's coverage of the Ashes.

How Likely is Steven Finn’s Appointment In The England Setup?

Steven Finn is heavily backed by Brendon McCullum, given their time together in the camp where they played alongside each other. This could give Finn a boost, but the decision will be made by Rob Key, the director of cricket for England.

Although Finn's curriculum vitae looks impressive with his diligence, hardworking nature, and popularity in the game, questions may arise regarding the relationship between the chief selector and McCullum in the future, especially with England under pressure after the 4-1 Ashes defeat.

Nevertheless, alongside Finn, Darren Gough is understood to be another leading candidate being assessed by Rob Key and his team. Former England opener and Sky presenter Nick Knight is also believed to be a contender for the role.

However, if an appointment is not made soon, the new selector is unlikely to have any input in the first Test squad of the summer.

The England vs New Zealand series will begin on June 4 and conclude on June 29 with the third Test at Nottingham, after which the Three Lions will host India for a five-match T20I and a three-match ODI series starting from July.

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