"My left knee and I were wincing" - Steven Finn hails Ben Stokes' inspirational comeback as an all-rounder post-surgery

Former England pacer Steven Finn shared his thoughts on Ben Stokes' impressive return to bowling after recovering from a knee injury during the ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies at home.

Finn, who himself struggled with knee issues throughout his career, expressed admiration for Stokes' brilliant performance in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. The England all-rounder bowled 18 overs and scalped three wickets during his team’s innings-long 114-run win over the West Indies in the opening Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground last week.

Steven Finn praises Ben Stokes' remarkable comeback from knee surgery in West Indies Test series

In November 2023, Stokes underwent knee surgery after he faced chronic tendonitis in his left knee, and now he has returned as a full-fledged all-rounder for England with the home series. After the Lord’s Test, Finn recalled his own experience and described how his first knee surgery during the 2017-18 Ashes series marked the beginning of a decline in his career.

The former English pacer’s inability to brace his knee consistently affected his pace, consistency, and confidence, ultimately leading to his retirement in 2023 after multiple surgeries and failed comebacks. Well, Finn observed the England Test captain closely during the first Test against the West Indies, focusing on his technique and the condition of his knee.

He noted that Stokes' delivery stride showed a braced and locked left knee, which is crucial for maintaining balance and power. This braced leg acted as a pivot, allowing Stokes to maintain his unique bowling style and generate swing, zip, and control, according to Finn.

Furthermore, Finn revealed how he used to compare his post-surgery bowling technique to videos of himself at his best with the ball for England, but he never managed to fully replicate his pre-injury form. In contrast, Stokes made an inspiring comeback after surgery, not just in terms of speed but in the technical execution and commitment at the crease, which shows his determination and skill.

I was never the same bowler after the knee surgery: Steven Finn

Steven Finn wrote in his column for BBC: “When the England captain (Ben Stokes) was 10 overs into a spell on the evening of day two of the first Test against West Indies, my left knee and I were wincing. I had memories of me coming back from my first knee surgery, after returning home early from the Ashes series in 2017-18. In all honesty, I was never the same bowler after it.”

Finn further mentioned, “This makes it even more impressive to see Stokes running in with such vigour and intent after his most recent knee surgery. I watched closely when he brought himself on to bowl. Usually, you can't take your eyes off the game when Stokes is involved because of the propensity for things to happen.

But, as a former knee injury sufferer, I was particularly intrigued to see how he got on with the ball in hand. I wasn't particularly looking at the speed gun when he was bowling, I was looking at how braced that front knee was and how much he was committing to each delivery at the crease. I was very enthused by what I saw.”