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Cricket

Harmison suffers injury worry ahead of Test series

23/02/2008

England fast bowler Steve Harmison is suffering from a back problem which could affect his chances of starting in the first Test against New Zealand.

Harmison has just joined the squad having delayed his trip so he could attend the birth of his fourth child and was suffering from a sore back when he arrived.

The Durham man is expected to undergo a scan on the injury later today to find the extent of any damage. Unless the scan reveals something unexpected the England management still believe he will be available for the first Test.

However Harmison suffered and injury-hit summer in 2007 and has only recently been able to begin bowling again.

A lack of match fitness could affect his chances of selection and he will hope to at least play a part in England's final warm-up game against the Otago state side before the first Test on March 5th.

It is a setback for Harmison who reiterated his desire to get back on the field following his injury problems during 2007.

Before leaving for New Zealand he said: "I had a long break last year, which disappointed me. By the time I got to Sri Lanka I just wanted to play. I'm a professional cricketer and I want to play cricket and I haven't done a lot of that over the last year."

The injury to Harmison will limit his preparation for the Test however and Hampshire pace-man Chris Tremlett is likely to take Harmison's place in the side to face an invitational XI starts on Monday if the Durham man is unable to participate.