Steven Finn optimistic Middlesex can repeat 2008 T20 success

NICK HOWSON AT LORD'S: The 31-year-old took 5-16 to beat Surrey to cement his side's place in the top four of the South Group - 11 years on from their only success in the competition

Steven Finn believes Middlesex are as well equipped to win the T20 Blast as they were during their maiden victory 11 years ago.

Ed Joyce led the Lord's club to success in the 20-over format in 2008 - to date their only success in the competition - as Finn was breaking into the first team.

Eoin Morgan and David Malan are two of the survivors from that victory over Kent, and have been added to by overseas stars AB de Villiers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the 2019 season.

Though one of the elder statesmen of the team aged 31, Finn eclipsed that quartet's contribution with 5-16 against Surrey to help dismiss the visitors for 146 and secure a victory by 64 runs as Middlesex cemented their place in the top four of the South Group.

And the right-arm seamer feels that after five wins from seven this Middlesex team can match the achievements of the side from 11 years ago.

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"We are gathering momentum in every format since that one-day competition," he said. "We've really started winning games and getting ourselves in positions to force games. We're fortunate to have AB de Villiers and Eoin Morgan here to be able to put on a score like that and it makes the bowlers job a lot easier.

"We're fortunate to have the depth of players that we have. If someone is injured or someone is not available then someone else can come in and put their hands up. Everyone has clear roles in the team which is a good sign and a good sign similar to that from when we won the competition."

Finn last week committed his future to the Middlesex until 2021, which will take his time with the club into a 16th year.

"You always want to put in performances which influence games," he added after his career-best T20 figures. "I'm happy to keep contributing. I've just signed a new contract, I love playing here, I am so fortunate to playing in front of full houses at Lord's every night."

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