It’s time to turn to Harmy
AS regular readers of this column will have probably noted, I’m not Steve Harmison’s biggest fan. All too often he seems to lose interest or focus, and is not the kind of bowler you would put your last shilling on producing a good, consistent spell.
That said, when you catch him at just the right time, he’s still a damn fine option – and now is as good a time as any to get him involved.
Harmison bowled well against the Australians for the Lions at Worcester 10 days ago and impressed the selectors with another five-wicket haul for Durham over the weekend. With England’s seam attack severely lacking in Cardiff, Harmison’s extra zip and aggression could just be the ticket on a seam-friendly Lord’s track. I believe the selectors had pencilled Harmison in for a starting place come Thursday whatever the circumstances, but unfortunately it looks as though it may have the be at the expense of Andrew Flintoff. Yes, it seems the ‘Fragile Freddie’ curse has struck again – and this after just 35 overs of turning his arm over. It’s a sad situation for Fred and the English game as a whole, but I can’t help thinking we’re in for plenty more disappointments like this.
If Freddie is fit, Harmison must still come in for Monty Panesar, but if he doesn’t make it, the selectors will need to decide whether to stick with five specialist bowlers or beef up the batting with Ian Bell.