Bowlers’ four-wicket haul sets up Royal London One-Day Cup success

Steve Finn revealed his four-wicket haul for Middlesex in their Royal London One-Day Cup win over Glamorgan was overdue having been feeling good all season.

The England fast bowler took 4-39 at Radlett as Middlesex successfully defended 243 to remain in the competition.

And he said: “We were slightly under-par with the bat and felt we had to come out and take wickets, We stuck together as a unit and fortunately we did that.

“I have felt in good rhythm all season, even in the games where I got hit around a little bit I felt good when I bowled.

“I felt something like this was just around the corner, I just had to stick to my guns, keep practicing as hard as I can and keep it simple. Thankfully it worked.”

Finn’s aim of keeping it “as smooth as possible approaching the crease” was aided, he said, by the conditions.

“I had the slope and wind with me that helped me do that,” he added, after Middlesex claimed only their second win in the competition, from six matches played.

“I think we have played good cricket, but we have missed key moments. We have learned from our mistakes and here we kept our foot on Glamorgan’s throat and kept trying to take wickets.“

Glamorgan’s Colin Ingram took 4-39 himself then scored 53 in a losing cause which effectively ends his side’s hopes of progressing.

He added: “I’m really gutted. To have a good performance personally is great but i really enjoy it when the team wins and we were in prime position to do so.

“It is disappointing to be knocked out so early. There are only three competitions and one is already gone. In patches we have played really nicely but found ways to lose. It will hurt, but we will learn from it.”

Middlesex travel to Chelmsford on Friday to take on Essex, who have won four out of five matches in the competition so far this season, losing to Glamorgan in Wales in the other match by just one run.