STUART Broad reckons Steven Finn can be an England fast bowling ally rather than rival.

Notts paceman Broad sat out the recent Test series with Bangladesh to concentrate on strengthening work.

In his absence, Middlesex seamer Finn took centre stage to finish as the leading wicket-taker in the two-match series that England won 2-0, with 15 victims.

Since then, Finn too has been packed off to the gym to undergo a similar regime.

Broad, 24, was impressed by the pace, bounce and discipline he saw from Finn, who is arguably the brightest seam bowling prospect to emerge since himself.

He hopes both can prove their worth to bowl in tandem, rather than fighting it out for one slot.

"Steven has made a good start to his Test career and he showed what he was about against Bangladesh," said Broad.

"He has all the attributes to make it at the highest level – he's tall, quick and gets really good bounce.

"I don't see him as someone who can stop me getting into the side but someone I am looking forward to bowling with.

"I think it would help to have two tall bowlers to feed off each other. It would be fantastic."

Finn has so far taken 19 Test scalps at 23.42 since making his debut against Bangladesh on the sub-continent in March.

But Broad warned that bigger Tests are to come against Pakistan, starting at Trent Bridge today, and then Down Under this winter in the latest battle for the Ashes.

He said: "He is going to find he is tested a bit more against some of the more recognised sides in world cricket.

"But you can only beat what is in front of you and so far he has done a good job.