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Trescothick backs "handful" Harmison in India

30/09/2008

Former England opener Marcus Trescothick has given his backing to temperamental fast bowler Steve Harmison to make an impact in India this winter.

The Durham paceman has traditionally struggled in sub-continental conditions through a combination of loss of form, loss of confidence and homesickness - something the Somerset man knows all about.

However, Trescothick believes Harmison's great season in county cricket and a promising comeback on the international scene against South Africa this summer will stand him in good stead for the upcoming tour.

"Harmy's bowled fantastically well," Trescothick exclusively told inthenews.co.uk.

"I've played him in two one-day games and a four-day game for Somerset this year and he's been a real handful every time."

Trescothick described the strike bowler as a "crucial" member of the England set-up, claiming Harmison could make a "valuable" contribution against India.

And the West Country veteran believes England can come back with a series victory this winter under new captain Kevin Pietersen, despite the hosts being slight favourites for the win.

"[England] are set up really well, but its going to be a real challenge going to India because we all know how hard it is to go there," Trescothick continued.

"They've gone off really well. You can just see with KP taking over the buzz and the energy that they've got.

"It obviously helps with Fred [Andrew Flintoff] playing the way he has done. He had a great series in the one-dayers against South Africa and that makes a massive difference."