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Cricket

Harmison 'still in my thoughts', says Moores

21/05/2008

England head coach Peter Moores has said fast bowler Steve Harmison could still have a part to play this summer if he can regain his form in county cricket.

The Durham paceman was widely expected to be included in the 12-man squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which begins at Old Trafford on Friday.

However, despite an injury to fellow seam bowler Matthew Hoggard - who was struck on the hand by Harmison during a County Championship game between Yorkshire and Durham last week - Hampshire's Chris Tremlett got the nod instead.

Moores admitted Harmison had been close to getting a recall, having been omitted from the England team that beat the Black Caps in the winter tour, because of his suitability to the pitch at the Manchester ground.

But the coach said he felt Harmison's current form and level of confidence was not good enough to throw him into international cricket.

"Steve has got a good record at Old Trafford – he's a mature performer - so he's always going to be talked about," Moores explained.

"We feel that, at the moment, he needs time in county cricket to bowl and get himself ready to come back. I've heard he's been bowling okay, but maybe not fully hitting his straps as best he can."

Moores revealed Harmison had been "very disappointed" when he was dropped earlier in the year, but added: "I also think, realistically, he knew he wasn't bowling as well as he could bowl.

"Since then he's gone away and decided what he wants to do about it and you start to get a plan together to get back to playing the best cricket you can."

The teams go into the second Test at Old Trafford on level terms after a dogged batting display from New Zealand, below-par fielding from England and inclement weather conditions all contributed to a drawn first Test at Lord's.