England return for Steve Harmison after finding county form again

Jul 27 2008 By Bill Mcintyre

PACE ace Steve Harmison's blistering form since being axed by England has earned him an international recall for the third Test against South Africa.

Harmison, who has been in the wilderness since his high-profile omission in March, was preferred to fellow fast bowler Chris Tremlett in the 13-man squad.

The 29-year-old Durham star is the most prolific in Division One with 40 victims in eight appearances and tops the County Championship's wicket chart.

Chief selector Geoff Miller admits Harmison's response to being dropped prompted the return of the world's former No.1 bowler for the Test that starts on Wednesday.

Miller said: "He's been watched in all kinds of cricket, he's been talked to and merits his inclusion back in the squad.

"He was left out and that was a jolt for him. He had to sort himself and his technique out which he's done excellently.

"We'll wait and see what the reaction iswhenhe comes back."

Harmison's return offers extra pace to an attack that has taken just 13 wickets in the last 344.3 overs sent down to South Africa in the series.

He has not been considered for a match since being sensationally dumped along with Matthew Hoggard following the heavy defeat by New Zealand in Hamilton.

But he has clicked into gear this summer and consistently clocked 90mph for Durham.

Miller said: "The pace he can offer and his capabilities give us all kinds of options."

England's second Test hammering leaves them 1-0 down with two to play.

Now Darren Pattinson and Tremlett, the two standby bowlers for the 10-wicket defeat, have been cast back to their counties.

England Player of the Year Ryan Sidebottom, whose back injury triggered the late callups last week, is expected to be fit for the Birmingham clash.

Michael Vaughan's men appear in need of change after the Leeds loss and youngster Stuart Broad will be assessed during practice this week.

Broad, 22, highlighted his potential with an unbeaten 67 last week but his lack of potency with the ball and concern over long-term workload may result in him being rested.

Miller said: "He's tired - he's had hard, intense cricket with back-to-back Test matches. It's a learning curve for him. That's not to say he won't play - we'll see how he is in the build-up."