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Harmison belongs on big stage claims KP

23/08/2008

England captain Kevin Pietersen says returning bowler Steve Harmison belongs on the big stage and is wasted just playing county cricket.

Harmison was impressive during England's 20-run victory over South Africa at Headingley, taking 2-43 from his ten overs.

The Durham man retired from one-day cricket in 2006 but Pietersen, having already got the pace man back into the Test set up, has persuaded him to return to the limited overs side.

Pietersen said: "This is the stage he belongs on, not playing for Durham in front of 34 people. He should be playing in front of 34,000, 40,000 or 50,000 - that's where Steve Harmison belongs.

"Steve wants to play for England. He wants to play on the biggest stage, which is where he's performing on at the moment."

Pietersen only managed to get Harmison on board on Tuesday night but following his performance against South Africa he is delighted to have regained the services of such a potent bowler.

"For Steve to make a U-turn at the last hour was magnificent and he delivered. Long may that continue," added the captain.

Some critics had suggested that Harmison was only making his return now to cash-in on the lucrative Stanford series in November.

But Harmison rejects those claims and insists his comeback is for the right reasons.

He told the BBC: "I retired from one-day cricket for cricketing reasons and I'm coming back for cricketing reasons."

Harmison came into the side due to an injury to Ryan Sidebottom and is likely to retain his place for the third one-day international at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.