Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has admitted that England's decision to leave Steven Finn out of both their Test and ODI teams has come as a shock to him.

Despite taking 90 wickets in 23 Test matches, Finn failed to make an appearance during the Ashes series and he also missed out on a place in the team when England started the limited-overs series by losing to Australia on Sunday.

"He's a quality bowler," Lee told reporters. "I know they are not saying he's not a quality bowler but he's not been given the opportunity.

"I've been shocked he hasn't played."

"I know it can be very tough to bowl in the nets day in, day out. It will be tough for him to go out there and hit his areas straight up."

England meet Australia in the second ODI on Friday.