Finn finds a friend in Mitch

Beleaguered bowler Steven Finn has achieved something none of his England team-mates have this summer  – a modicum of sympathy from Australian spearhead Mitchell Johnson.

Johnson terrorised the England batsmen with his searing 150kph thunderbolts throughout the Commonwelth Bank Ashes Test series, finishing with 37 wickets at an average of less than 14. At the opposite end of the spectrum Finn's struggles reached new depths when he was dispatched home early from the tour this week to sort out technical and confidence issues that have rendered him unselectable.

Now it's been revealed that Finn sought out Johnson for some advice, seeing parallels between his current malaise and the Australian's struggles in 2011 that saw him become a Barmy Army figure of fun.

Finn will take at least a fortnight off from cricket after struggling badly in the England touring party. "At times it's felt like I've been banging my head against a brick wall trying to make it right and trying to be prepared to play," the England bowler said.

Johnson said he spoke with Finn in the SCG dressing rooms and was more than happy to offer some advice.

“He just wanted a bit of advice on how I got myself back to where I am now after what I went through," said Johnson.

“I was a bit surprised and quite flattered he approached me to talk about it, but in a way I guess I’ve some experience of what he’s going through. I can understand where he is coming from and what it takes to get through it.

"There is no hard and fast rule to it. For me, it was about getting away from the game and then working on the things you know you need to work on.

“I was fortunate in that I knew what I had to do. He said when he started his career, he was really enjoying himself, taking wickets for fun and full of confidence, but now it’s a real struggle and I get that," Johnson said in the UK's Mirror

“I think it will be good for him to get away from the international set-up for a bit. On the international scene, everyone is watching you and it’s hard to do your work when all eyes are on you.

“He is a big talent for England and they will want to see him back taking wickets again, because he has all the ability. Knowing what it takes to come through a difficult spell like this, there is no doubt Steven can do the same and get back out there.”