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30 July
2008 Omitted
Harmison Given Recall Hope England's Steve
Harmison has been told he may feature later in the
series against South Africa despite failing to
break into the side for third Test at Edgbaston, as
reported by Ladbrokes. After a lengthy
spell in the international wilderness, the
29-year-old Durham fast bowler was recalled to the
England squad this weekend for the crucial third
npower Test. England need to
win with the Proteas 1-0 up with two to
play. But Harmison
failed to make the starting line-up with England
instead deciding to strengthen their batting
line-up by recalling Paul Collingwood and fielding
only four specialist bowlers. Captain Michael
Vaughan, however, does not believe Harmison should
be too downhearted and hinted he may be needed for
the final Test at The Oval starting on August
7. "He was very
close to playing and that's why we brought him into
the squad - it's a sign for him that we feel he's
got a chance of getting get back in," confirmed
Vaughan. "He's obviously not in the XI this week,
but who's to say he won't be in the XI at The Oval
the week after?" The
disappointment follows Harmison's dramatic axing
from the team earlier this year after a dismal
display in the opening Test defeat to New Zealand
in Hamilton. Bet now at
Ladbrokes But Vaughan
stressed that it was not such a big blow to
Harmison, adding: "I'd say he is just delighted to
be back in the squad. This isn't a dropping, it's a
promotion from being in the Durham ranks to back in
the England ranks. He's not in the XI but he's
delighted to be back in the 13." Former England
chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth, meanwhile,
has backed the decision to exclude
Harmison. Illingworth, who
was England's chairman of selectors between 1994
and 1997, insists Harmison has not done enough to
deserve a recall. "It's a difficult
decision to make but you might as well keep him
(Harmison) out of the side if the pitch isn't right
for him," Illingworth told PA Sport. "Harmison had
two years where he didn't perform for England and I
don't think he can just walk back into the side.
The lads that have been bowling have been playing
well over the last 12 months. I don't think he's
been badly treated by the selectors. He's got to
fight for his place. He's not actually been all
that good from what I've seen of him." Durham chief
executive David Harker suspects Harmison's
exclusion has more to do with the condition of the
pitch than his ability. "I'm disappointed
for Steve that he's not in the side. He has bowled
extremely well for us all season and we've been
delighted with his form," Harker told PA Sport. "We
have seen enough of him this year to know that it
will be difficult for England to win without him.
I'm sure it will only be a question of time before
he's back in the England side." Bet now at
Ladbrokes |
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