The Otago Boys' High School First XI is making its debut in the Dunedin senior grade and Finnie is one of the players the team will need to perform to ensure it is competitive.
The year 12 pupil has got form, too. He scored 157 in the regional quarterfinal of the national club knockout tournament to help his side beat Invercargill club Marist by 152 runs earlier this month.
His innings featured 12 sixes and eight fours, so we know he can hit the ball. He is also a very handy right-arm offspinner who gets good drift and plenty of spin.
Otago network coach Mark Bracewell has been keeping a close eye on his progress and rates Finnie as a excellent prospect.
''He is a very clever player,'' Bracewell said.
''He understands the game and he works things out. He is a strong kid but he is very strong, mentally. He is one of those kids who need to be challenged.
''He has already spent a lot of time playing out of his age group and I think he enjoys it.''
Bracewell hinted Finnie might get an opportunity for Otago A this summer. He has already played for the Dunedin Metro team and has held his own at that level.
''You don't want to get too far ahead of yourself but he is quite an exciting prospect.''
Finnie was ranked in the top five players in the country for his age group in badminton and he is a very keen golfer. But he has focused on cricket during the last 12 months and it has paid off with selection in the New Zealand under-19 training squad.
The under-19 world cup is in the United Arab Emirates next year but Josh is targeting the 2016 event.
More immediately, he is looking forward to today's senior match against Taieri.
''It is definitely going to be a big step up but we've got players who can help us win games,'' Finnie said.
''I know that we'll enjoy it more than second grade. It just wasn't much of a challenge at times and we weren't really getting pushed to our full potential.''
