Harmison’s mysterious discomfort

An English newspaper has published an article claiming to have ‘inside information’ that England fast bowler Steve Harmison has been playing with an injury for some time. The newspaper also claims he aggravated it during the first innings of the ongoing final Test against Pakistan, and that his participation in the rest of the summer’s cricket is in doubt.

The mystery injury is being blamed for Harmison’s fluctuating form this summer. He took 11 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston, but he himself has admitted he “didn’t feel right” in going for five an over on the second day of the Oval Test. He bounced back with 4-125 in that innings, but never looked entirely comfortable.

Harmison picked up a slight side strain in the first Test of the current series at Lord’s, but there was never any suggestion in the aftermath that he had failed to recover. It remains to be seen whether this injury is something to be taken seriously in the lead-up to November’s Ashes series, or whether it is nothing more than a mild case of discomfort. One thing is for sure – England cannot afford another injured bowler.