by Michael McCann

ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook lauded the contributions made by Steve Finn and Ian Bell yesterday after winning the 3rd Ashes Test at Egbaston by eight wickets to lead the series 2-1.

Finn claimed the Man of the Match award after taking eight wickets against the visiting Australians, including 6-79 in the second innings that left England chasing just 121 to win.

Bell then hit an unbeaten 65 to complement his first innings 50, relishing his move to number three after patchy recent form.

The match was a remarkable turn to Test cricket for the first time in over two years for Finn, leaving his captain delighted.

“I don’t think the pitch was 140 all-out but the way Jimmy bowled, backed up by Steve was fantastic.

“It’s the sort of pitch we want to play on. For Steven to do what he’s done after two years out — sport has a way of testing you. For him to bowl as he has here, it is great reward.

“We couldn’t have a happier dressing room for Finny, after all the work he’s done.

“Class is permanent and Ian Bell is a fantastic cricketer. He’s had a tough few games — that happens when you play for a long period of time but Bell is a class player.”

Australia had won the toss and elected to bat but 6-47 in a classy display of swing bowling from James Anderson reduced the visitors to just 136 all-out, despite 52 from Chris Rogers.

In reply England made 281 as Bell, Joe Root and Moeen Ali struck valuable 50s, with Ali sharing a valuable partnership worth 87 with Stuart Broad for the eight wicket, while Nathan Lyon took 3-36.

Australia then struck 265 as David Warner made an aggressive 77 from just 62 balls while Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc hit 50s.

Finn claimed the key scalps of Steve Smith and Australian captain Michael Clarke for the second time in the match, while Anderson suffered a side strain injury which has ruled him out of the fourth Test — though he hopes to be back in time for the final Test at the Oval which begins on August 20.

“The medical team were pretty happy with me this morning,” Anderson said.

“They checked me over, looked at my movements and they were happy that it didn’t look too serious so that’s what I’m aiming for.”

Lyth and Cook were both dismissed cheaply but Bell and Root saw England home, meaning the hosts lead 2-1 ahead of the upcoming fourth Test at Trent Bridge.