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Cricket

Harmison makes England one-day comeback

22/08/2008

Steve Harmison has come out of international one-day retirement and will play in the series against South Africa.

The Durham paceman retired from the 50-over game after the 2006/07 Ashes series in Australia, saying he wanted to spend more time with his young family.

But the 29-year-old now feels that his "family is settled" and feels he has "something to offer England's ODI side". Harmison will replace in the injured Ryan Sidebottom, who has been ruled out with a groin strain, in the squad.

"After recently being asked by the England management to reassess my retirement from international one-day cricket I've decided to join England's squad for the NatWest Series after careful consideration," said Harmison.

"It's something I have been thinking about for a period of time and due to recent injuries in the England camp the opportunity has arisen for me to play a role in this series.

"I decided to retire from England's ODI team for a number reasons, one being the amount of time I was spending away from my family.

"Now that my family is settled and my bowling is settled I feel I have something to offer England's ODI side and am looking forward to playing a part in the NatWest Series against South Africa."

Harmison made a successful comeback to Test cricket in the final game in the series against South Africa, but reiterated that he wouldn't come out of retirement to play in the one-day series.

England captain Kevin Pietersen said at the time he would speak to Harmison to see if he could change his mind, and it now seems Pietersen has been successful.