Harmison can still win matches for England
England are on the road to Kandy today.
They secured an important win in the final warm-up and when captain Michael Vaughan says he's pleased with the way things are going three days before the first Test he probably means it.
The opposition provided in the two matches was ideal and left the players knowing a lot more about what was required out here. Even the batting collapse would have sharpened them up.
So much has been written and talked about the competition for bowling places, but it was the batsmen who were forced to sit up and sort themselves out.
What England can do with now is to leave Sri Lanka guessing wither or not they will have to face him Saturday.
Up until the back spasm on the first day of the second warm-up match Harmison was again looking the part.
I'm convinced opposition prefer to see England teamsheets without his name on it and if England can leave it as late as possible for him to prove he's right, they will be stronger for it.
Steve must be allowed to forget Australia now. To be talking about is ridiculous.
It was overplayed at the time and the obsession with the Ashes and the regaining of them hangs far too heavily on the game and those who run it.
The winning in 2005 was great and the party was fun but we all got too excited and the expectation that followed was out of proportion. Players like Harmison suffered.
He can and will again win matches for England.
He bowls bad balls and he bowls good ones and enough of the latter are unplayable snorters, which makes him still one of the team's best assets.
The chances of him playing this weekend must be very slim and if he doesn't make the nets between now and Friday afternoon none of us will be looking for his name on the card.
But with bowling coach Ottis Gibson nudging him along this is the moment for the dangerous Harmison to resurface.
If not this time, New Zealand next spring will suit him right down to the ground.
Of course England might reach and find out they need two spinners, unlikely but possible.
There is a rumour that Sri Lanka are considering using two with Malinga Bandara being brought in. Graeme Swann could get a Test cap earlier than expected.
Monty Panasar has improved as the tour has gone on and this series gives him a chance to step up another gear.
Whether Owais Shah gets to win his third cap or Ravi Bopara makes a debut is difficult to read.
The Essex man played such a big part in the second warm-up match you might expect him to be the clear favourite to bat at six.
Apparently it's still not decided.
°ä´Ç³¾³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýÌýPost your comment
I agree with the titular statement, however, the problem is that he can also lose England matches. No other player in world cricket seems to suffer such catastrophic crises in confidence and unfortunately when Harmy's bad, he is very bad. His psychological collapses can result in him being effectively sidelined from a match and as everybody knows, playing test cricket with 10 men (or just 3 bowlers)is very difficult indeed. England have to weigh up whether the possibility of an in-form Harmison is worth the risk of an out-of-form one. Personally, I think England would be far better served introducing Stuart Broad to Test cricket.
Complain about this comment
But it wasn't just one delivery, it was practically the first 3 tests. Harmison only got his first decent spell of bowling done at Melbourne and since then, there have been no signs that he's improved. He was erratic and inaccurate against the West Indies and although it didn't cost us then, it will do against the superior batting line up in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, his poor ODI form in 2005 and 2006 led to his retirement from the ODI team at just 28, hardly the statement of a determined and self-confident player.
I do feel that his is rather like the Giles fiasco ahead of the last Ashes series, all over again. Like Giles was then, Harmison simply isn't fit at the moment. He's only bowled 16.3 overs in match conditions and if his back keeps playing up, then he won't get many more done during the test series. Equally, like Giles, he isn't our most dangerous fast-bowling optiona nymore. Frankly, he's had enough time to improve and in absence of any signs that this is the case means that he should be replaced, preferably with Broad. Teams simply don't fear Harmison anymore, contrary to what the author seems to think and frankly why should they. He just hasn't got what it takes anymore.
Complain about this comment
I cannot believe a) this article, and b) Steve Harmison. Would he rather be with the lads playing
test match cricket in an awe enspiring country or sat on his sofa with his
missus in dreary durham watching the toon? I think I know the answer. His
pathetic attempts to get out of playing for his country are starting to wind
me up. Clear scan, yet still injured? Do me a favour. I dont want anyone
near the England set up if they dont want to be. he has had one great series
in WI in 04, and was not even that great against the aussies in '05 -
carried by the boy fred. faking injuries, not taking wickets, sulking on the
sidelines? Sounds like a great team mate. Get shot of him. Forever.
Complain about this comment
Hmm I think if you check Harmisons record for England both before and since his fantastic spell in (I think) 2004 when he became quite rightly World No. 1, it's overall consistently mediocre, in addition if you watched him you'd have seen him go AWOL on many occasions when conditions haven't favoured his style, leaving the effort to Hoggard and others.
IMO he's a flawed genius with a weak backbone in all senses. Take him away from the comfort zone of a suitable pitch and his friends/family and likely as not he'll bowl rubbish all day.
I say keep him around for when the pitch has zip, otherwise pick bowlers with less talent and more heart.
They've been searching for the "miracle cure" for him for what seems like forever now - how long can someone stay in the team on the strength of performances in 2004 - it's nearly 2008! The Aussies would be far more ruthless.
Depends on the pitch, but I reckon England are mostly better off without him these days.
His career can be summed up in two balls, both in the Ashes. The first to Clarke in 2005 - genius. The second in Oz, not sure which batsmen he was aiming at.
Complain about this comment
I think if England want to get to the next level then they have to stick with Steve. Bowlers like Sidebottom, Hoggard and Anderson are ten a penny. No other bowler in England can bowl 90-95mph and can generate the bounce Steve can. Lets back him and he will start to produce match winning performances on regular occasions!!!!
Complain about this comment
So when did Harmison last bowl at
90-95mph?
Complain about this comment
A "very bad" Steve Harmison still took 16 wickets in the West Indies series at a strike rate of 56 (better than Matthew Hoggard).
The posts above reinforce Kevin Howell's point: England fans tend to be absurdly over-critical at times and dredge up incidents endlessly. When Ian Botham took endless wickets with bad balls we all said "ah, that's just Ian's golden arm". With Steve Harmison it is a court-martial offense. In 2002/03 he started the Ashes tour with an over with 7 wides. By the end of the series, pressed into the Test side in a massive injury crisis, the Australians were talking about how much he impressed them.
Last winter there were many many things going on in the background. After the World Cup things were still going on. You only have to look at the side's results to see that everyone was unsettled. Steve Harmison seems to attract most of the approbium for what was a general malaise that affected many of the side. In some quarters he's even been blamed for the (wrong) approintment of Andrew Flintoff as captain and the fact that Flintoff was not sacked in Australia!!!!!
Let the guy do the talking with the ball. He was lethal for Durham last summer. He took plenty of wickets for Highveldt Lions even though he was not still at 100%. Constant carping won't help him, the team, or anyone. If he does his stuff, great. If not, he's not likely to get a central contract for next year anyway.
Complain about this comment
Well done comments 1, 2, 3 and 4 in pointing out some of the more bizarre views in this blog. It is staggering that a supposed world-class bowler cannot consistently (a) get his run-up right or (b) find a decent line and length.
As for the fifth comment, what planet are you living on? A planet where the aim is for the bowlers to concede as many as possible? Plus, when on earth has Harmison been bowling 90-95mph in recent Tests? Or have you formulated your opinion on replays of the 2004 Windies tour?More like 83-88mph and he has been consistently backed by England in the One-day and Test formats (prior to his turning his back on the former) but he has so rarely produced a match-winning performance. Quite simply, his record and those of a number of other international front-line fast bowlers do not bear comparison.
Complain about this comment
If you ask any batsman in the world which fast bowler they would least like to face most will say harmison (i have herd the aussie top order quote it). He would be in my world 11 just becasue of the threat. The biggest problem with harmison is that he needs someone to get the best out of him, all sports people do! The one man that could do that for him was troy cooly (not sure how u spell it) that is where england bowling went wrong getting rid of him!!
Complain about this comment
Well done comments 1, 2, 3 and 4 in pointing out some of the more bizarre views in this blog. It is staggering that a supposed world-class bowler cannot consistently (a) get his run-up right or (b) find a decent line and length.
As for the fifth comment, what planet are you living on? A planet where the aim is for the bowlers to concede as many as possible? Plus, when on earth has Harmison been bowling 90-95mph in recent Tests? Or have you formulated your opinion on replays of the 2004 Windies tour?More like 83-88mph and he has been consistently backed by England in the One-day and Test formats (prior to his turning his back on the former) but he has so rarely produced a match-winning performance. Quite simply, his record and those of a number of other international front-line fast bowlers do not bear comparison.
Complain about this comment
If you ask any batsman in the world which fast bowler they would least like to face most will say harmison (i have herd the aussie top order quote it). He would be in my world 11 just becasue of the threat. The biggest problem with harmison is that he needs someone to get the best out of him, all sports people do! The one man that could do that for him was troy cooly (not sure how u spell it) that is where england bowling went wrong getting rid of him!!
Complain about this comment
You are correct. I think we are putting pressure on him by only speaking of that delivery on Ashes. If we have forgotten it he should have overcome it. Now he is under tremendous pressure which i suspect that he can not handle easily.
I think whether he win or lose matches for england still supporting him is our duty as we all know he is hell of a good bowler. We were with him when he was on fire why cant we do the same to him. I think team can accomodate him if they feel they should rely on seam attack But srilankan pitches does support more to spin and medium pace.
We have to wait and see. I hope harmison will prove himself as winning bowler.
Wishes to him..................
Complain about this comment
You are correct. I think we are putting pressure on him by only speaking of that delivery on Ashes. If we have forgotten it he should have overcome it. Now he is under tremendous pressure which i suspect that he can not handle easily.
I think whether he win or lose matches for england still supporting him is our duty as we all know he is hell of a good bowler. We were with him when he was on fire why cant we do the same to him. I think team can accomodate him if they feel they should rely on seam attack But srilankan pitches does support more to spin and medium pace.
We have to wait and see. I hope harmison will prove himself as winning bowler.
Wishes to him..................
Complain about this comment
re: Alex Downey's comments-
the only 'level' Harmison will take England to is backwards, down the world test ratings. How can an unreliable has-been, who had 1 great year in cricket (surrounded by 4 or 5 embarrassing ones)3 years ago be for the future.
His bowling average in the last 2 years at test cricket is about 40.
People are basing support on Harmy on hope - they've hoped for over the last year he would come good, he hasn't, he's been embarassing as an international bowler.
How you can say Hoggard and Sideboard are 10 a penny I don't know. They are accurate, reliable and TAKE WICKETS. Who else in England bowls like they do?
Complain about this comment
I take ur point Nick, consitantly probably back in the champions trophy final and i remember a spell in India, but is it not a case of getting him fit and firing, and when the rythm is there the pace generally is.
Complain about this comment
re: Alex Downey's comments-
the only 'level' Harmison will take England to is backwards, down the world test ratings. How can an unreliable has-been, who had 1 great year in cricket (surrounded by 4 or 5 embarrassing ones)3 years ago be a player for the future?
His bowling average in the last 2 years at test cricket is about 40.
People are basing support on Harmy on hope - they've hoped for over the last year he would come good, he hasn't, he's been embarrassing as an international bowler, despite practically monopolising all of the bowling coach’s time.
How you can say Hoggard and Sideboard are 10 a penny I don't know. They are accurate, reliable, consistent and economically TAKE TEST WICKETS. Who else in England bowls like they do?
Re: The main article. This still drones on about the now unjustified 'hope'. Harmy has had long enough to prove himself over the last 2 years, he's failed, MOVE ON TO PEOPLE WHO CAN BOWL.
Complain about this comment
Sorry folks (and Kevin) but there is no replacement for time in the middle. As much as I admire and believe in Harmy, I would send him back to SA and prepare him for NZ .... overs, overs, overs.
Complain about this comment
How anyone can denegrate Hoggard is beyond me?
The man has been the most consitant bowler for England as long as I can remember and has always done the job. The selectors faith and his wicket count do not lie in this case.
Harmison, whilst at his best a massive talent, can no onger guarantee effective and threat within the team. Only if he still posseses the 2005 pace of delivery can he expect to given a place when other can bowl 80-85 with more control.
Complain about this comment
the debate with big steve could go on and on, but the main thing is that we get behind the lads on what is arguably the hardest place to tour!!!!
Complain about this comment
A "very bad" Steve Harmison still took 16 wickets in the West Indies series at a strike rate of 56 (better than Matthew Hoggard).
The posts above reinforce Kevin Howell's point: England fans tend to be absurdly over-critical at times and dredge up incidents endlessly. When Ian Botham took endless wickets with bad balls we all said "ah, that's just Ian's golden arm". With Steve Harmison it is a court-martial offense. In 2002/03 he started the Ashes tour with an over with 7 wides. By the end of the series, pressed into the Test side in a massive injury crisis, the Australians were talking about how much he impressed them.
Last winter there were many many things going on in the background. After the World Cup things were still going on. You only have to look at the side's results to see that everyone was unsettled. Steve Harmison seems to attract most of the approbium for what was a general malaise that affected many of the side. In some quarters he's even been blamed for the (wrong) appointment of Andrew Flintoff as captain and the fact that Flintoff was not sacked in Australia!!!!!
Let the guy do the talking with the ball. He was lethal for Durham last summer. He took plenty of wickets for Highveldt Lions even though he was not still at 100%. Constant carping won't help him, the team, or anyone. If he does his stuff, great. If not, he's not likely to get a central contract for next year anyway.
Complain about this comment
Harmison is a 'Professional'. Like most people, he gets paid to do a job. If i did my job as erratically, and sometimes as consistantly badly as Mr.Harmison, I would be sacked.
Yes he is a bowler that batsmen don't want to face, but only when he is on song, which is 1 game in 10.
I have a feeling that Harmison needs to bowl lots and lots of overs, and be made to bowl them., Duncan Fletcher was a laid back coach,so Harmison could get away with not bowling these overs. He needs to knuckle down, and bowl 25 overs a day everyday of the week. Coaches will be there with him, all coaches are willing to do that, and if they arent, they should be fired!
Complain about this comment
I simply don't think he's ready yet, physically or mentally. Yes, on his day on the right pitch he can still be unplayable by the opposition - sadly, when off his day it's us who find him unplayable.
In a sense that's where the real value of Hoggard has been over the years. Given the right conditions, he's absolutely lethal; when things aren't just right for him his captain can still depend on him to bowl well and do everything he can. Same I think is proving very true of Sidebottom.
I think he can come back - but as others have said he needs lots of time in the middle until he's fit and ready in *his* mind. He's better than he was, but I don't think he's there yet.
Complain about this comment
I don't know why but people seem to be in a very black or white mood over Steve Harmison. Why do we need to decide this tour if he has an England future or not? Surely the sensible thing to do is to send him home from Sri Lanka, he is obviously not fit, and even if he was 100% Sri Lankan wickets are not going to suit his style anyway. Send him home, get him practicing and working on his fitness, get him a bloody sports psychologist if need be, and then re-asses pre the New Zealand tour. Lets be honest a fit Steve Harmison has been and could be again, a real asset to England, and it seems stupid to toss him on the scrap heap just yet.
Complain about this comment
If he is one of our team's biggest assets then we are in real trouble. You can say the same thing about trescothic - great on his day but crumbles under pressure, especially away from home. I don't think anyone in their right mind would bring him in and drop Cook now. The same has to be true of Harmison - give Broad a chance and let him show that he can do what Harmison did but much more consistently (oh and can bat too).
We need an injection of youth. Our bowlers in Oz proved that jsut sticking to the tried and tested (Harmison, Giles et al) is not going to continue to work. Young players with talent, no fear and a hunger to win in what is needed. Cook, Bopara and Broad are going to be the spine of this team (along with KP & Monty)for years to come. Harmison quite frankly isn't and he shouldn't hinder the growth of Broad, who could be part of a bowling line up that wins us the next ashes.
Complain about this comment
What everyone seems to be forgetting is that HE DOESNT WANT TO BE THERE. If we are going all around the park on the second afternoon, is he going to stick his hand up and do a job for his team? Who can say with conviction that you are good at your job if you dont have a modicum of interest in it? I couldnt agree less with the comment about the next level is what england wil be on if they choose this player. It would be a step back to the abysmal selection principles of the ashes 06/07, and will, indirectly, completely undermine the Schofield report as a result. He is old hat, let him chuck pies down at chester-le-street.
Complain about this comment
Harmi is a minnow basher
Sorry i know you English had high hopes when he destroyed the West Indies in 2004 but check his bowling record against the top ranked teams in cricket
Australia average of 45
South Africa average of 60
India average of 32
Pakistan average of 29
His record against the bottom 4 teams in test cricket(kiwis zim bang and west indies) is where most of his wickets have come from.
he averages 40+ vs the best 4 teams he has played and under 20 vs the 4 worst teams.
Complain about this comment
The trouble is, assuming he is picked to play, we don't know which Steve Harmison will turn up for the match. We know he is capable of world class spells, but I think performances like the 7-12 against the Windies in 2004 or perhaps a couple against Pakistan in 2006 have been the only justification for his place in the team. He has to produce that form soon though, or even his supporters might struggle to advocate his selection. People making comments about losing Troy Coolie are spot on; let's hope Otis Gibson is up to the challenge. Harmison has a tendency to bowl too short too often, and while that is enough to knock over less talented opposition, a better length is needed to trouble world-class batsmen, and that is a lesson Harmison has to learn.
Complain about this comment
Harmison has done his dash I believe. There is no doubting the man's ability or talent but he seems to lack passion and drive. Much of the time it looks as if he can't be bothered. this is a BIG question mark at international level. Cooupled with his questionnable ability to cope with playing away from home (a ludicrous weakness for a test player if you ask me), we should direct our hopes, coaching resources and aspirations elsewhere. I still cannot get the first ball of the Ashes defence in Australia out of my head. As an Englishman watching in a pub full of Aussies you can imagine the tirade after Harmy's first ball was caught at slip by Flintoff.
Complain about this comment
In a day and age where performance in any sport is just as much dependent on the mental preparation as the physical his accepted frail mental state should mean that there is no valid no reason why he should ever be picked for England again IMHO.
As someone else said, let him go back to Durham and chuck pies for the rest of his career, because REAL world-class batsman are laughing at him.
Complain about this comment