Steven Finn has praised his England teammate Joe Root for the way that he has adapted to international cricket.

At the age of just 21, Root was called up to the senior squad for last year's tour of India and since the final Test in Nagpur he has been an ever-present in the side.

Now 22, Root has been tipped to open the batting alongside skipper Alastair Cook during the first Ashes Test against Australia next week at Trent Bridge. Despite being relatively young, Finn, speaking as an ambassador for ESPN Classic's Ashes coverage, has backed the Yorkshireman to take the responsibility "in his stride".

"He's dealt with pressure very well so far in his career and he has had an excellent start to his international career," the bowler told Sports Mole. "It's been fully deserved, but he works very hard. He puts in the hours off the pitch to make sure that his performances on the pitch are up to scratch.

"He's been excellent since he came into the team in India and he hasn't really looked back. I'm sure if he is asked to open next week it is something that he will take in his stride."

Root has scored 424 runs during his six Test outings for England.

ESPN Classic will broadcast extensive Ashes programming every weeknight throughout July, celebrating one of the fiercest rivalries in international sport. Visit espnclassic.com for details.