Finn was released to play for Middlesex in the domestic circuit after their Lord's drubbing by 75 runs. Returning from injury, all-rounder Stokes took his side for the second game at Old Trafford, which England won by 330 runs to level the series.However, in an interesting turn of events, the lanky pacer has been drafted back into the playing XI in place of Stokes, who injured his calf while bowling in the second innings in Manchester, and was subsequently ruled out of the succeeding game.
Cook confirmed Finn will play ahead of Jake Ball in the Edgbaston Test. "It was a tough call, as I found out at 2 AM this morning when I was wide awake thinking about it," he told Sky Sports on the eve of the game."We've gone for a guy who has got a proven Test record. He's taken 120 wickets and has a knack picking up wickets," he added.
The last time Finn played a Test in Birmingham, he picked up eight Australian wickets and was named the Man of the Match. "He has good memories of here from last year, he hasn't quite been at his best this year and there are a few factors in that.
"Physically he's now better, with a couple of things sorted out in the last week. I think we all saw the other day at Middlesex, playing Essex, that his pace was back up again.
"You could have argued for Jake and telling him was tough, but we've gone for a guy who's got a very good Test record and we're giving him another go."
England have named their playing XI for the third Test and Finn is the only forced change from the side that won the second Test by 330 runs. The selectors have shown faith in the fragile middle-order and have given them another chance to prove themselves, which means James Vince and Gary Ballance retain their spot.
"There are [points to prove] and it hasn't changed yet," confessed Cook. "I think throughout my time as a captain there has always been something up for discussion and at the moment the middle order are up for it.
"Until the guys get good scores consistently, they will be [under pressure]. But they're very good players, they got picked either because of outstanding form for their counties or Gary [Ballance], he's got a very good Test record and I think he's looked pretty good coming back, without getting a big score.
"They're good players and they have another chance to show that this week," said Cook before he signed off on the eve of the third Test, which starts on Wednesday (August 3).
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