Harmison backed to make Oval return

Mick Newell and Dale Benkenstein can both bear witness to Steve Harmison's form and agree the Durham fast bowler is ready for a Test recall.

Harmison took two top-order wickets at Trent Bridge yesterday as County Championship leaders Nottinghamshire struggled to 114 for four in reply to 266.

Notts director of cricket Newell was happy to give credit to the man who, with 42 wickets, is leading the way in the top division this summer.

"Steve's line's been excellent, and he's got more pace out of the wicket than anybody else," said Newell. "He's made our batsmen work pretty hard." Harmison was included in the squad for this week's Third Test but then left out the day before the match at Edgbaston. Yet conditions at The Oval next week may be to his liking.

"The wicket at The Oval will have a lot more bounce and I'm sure he'd be a handful," Newell said. "Harmison should definitely be in the 12."

Durham skipper Benkenstein has noted England's problems and was not worried about being diplomatic.

"They have not done themselves any favours," said the ex-South Africa international all-rounder.

"England have selected themselves into a bit of a hole. The result has been inconsistency. Even in the New Zealand series, just from a cricketing point of view, I don't think they played that well.

"Harmy is confident now, and that's the big difference for any sportsman. I'd love to see him back in the England side."