England’s six-feet-eight inch tall bowling sensation Steven Finn, who got the man-of-the-match award during his home Test debut at Lord’s, played basketball for Hertfordshire youth, but could not pursue the sport as he was unable to understand the rules.
Finn, 21, then decided to play cricket and has emerged as the team’s latest fast-bowling sensation.
He claimed nine wickets during his home Test debut in the win over Bangladesh at Lord’s.
Father Terry said: “I don’t think he really understood the game or have a clue what they were talking about. It didn’t make much sense to him so he played just one game. They only picked him because he was tall, anyway!”
Finn was earmarked for the top in cricket from 13 as his height and pace often terrorised schoolboy batsmen, The Sun reports.
But he has not forgotten his roots and is a frequent visitor to Langleybury CC in Hertfordshire, the village team where he learnt the art of playing.
“He was at Langleybury last month watching and when he’s there with the lads, he’s just another mate and they are always taking the mickey!” Terry said.
Terry, who lives with wife Diana in Watford, was a club fast bowler himself.
He admitted: “Steven always liked bowling fast. He was about 13 when we thought he might be quite good at cricket. He was probably about 6ft and was selected for the South of England Under-13s.
“And although he didn’t set the world alight, he was asked by Middlesex whether he would like to join.” — ANI