Harmison doubtful for first Test
England could be without Harmison for the rest of the summer
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Saturday, 14, Jul 2007 07:47
Steve Harmison is a doubt for England's first Test against India next week after aggravating his hernia problem in Durham's latest County Championship game.
The fast bowler was diagnosed with the injury earlier this summer but the England medical team felt that it was not too serious and hoped to delay surgery until after the series with India.
But the problem appears to have worsened after he was forced to leave the field in Durham's game against Sussex yesterday evening.
Harmison bowled an opening spell of four overs but when he came back for a second salvo he struggled to complete his next six balls and limped off.
The Dynamo's coach Jeff Cook said yesterday: "Steve has aggravated the injury and is pretty sore. We will see how it is in the morning. England have been informed.
"There is no reason to suggest at the moment that surgery will need to be brought forward, but all we can say tonight is that we have to see how he is in the morning."
Harmison has yet to appear on the field during Saturday's play in the match at Horsham, casting doubt over his participation in England's remaining Tests matches this summer.
England coach Peter Moores had hoped Harmison would be able to make it through the summer to lead the team's depleted bowling contingent.
At the time of the diagnosis he said: "It could be manageable and we'll see how we go."
The England medical staff will now have to re-evaluate their appraisal and potentially find a replacement for Harmison by the time of next week's first Test at Lord's.