England wrong to omit Harmy, says Gough
Steve Harmison publicly stated his reluctance to tour South Africa if he wasn't going to be picked
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By Matthew West. |  |
Friday, 09, Oct 2009 01:39
By Will Haine.
Fast-bowling legend Darren Gough has described the omission of Steve Harmison from England's touring party of South Africa as "ridiculous".
Speaking to inthenews.co.uk Gough, who took 229 wickets in his England Test career, said he now has serious concerns over the potency of the English bowling attack.
"South Africa is different to anywhere else. You have to bowl a little bit shorter then you normally do after the new ball," he explained.
"The pitches tend to be flat and the faster bowlers tend to be the ones who are successful.
"Without Andrew Flintoff, England need a strike bowler and if you look down our line-up we've got some good bowlers but we haven't got anyone who's going to rip through a side.
"That's a worry."
Harmison had made himself available for the tour to South Africa, but was left out due to his consistency away from home and his failure to commit to the long-term.
And this is something that Gough finds infuriating: "Apparently, the reason he's not going is because he didn't commit himself to the Ashes next year, which I find absolutely ridiculous.
"He's been a terrific bowler but I think this might be the end of Steve Harmison in Test cricket."
England have James Anderson, Graham Onions, Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom and Liam Plunkett in their fast-bowling ranks, but Gough is of the opinion that none of them have enough pace to strike fear into the South African opposition.
"You need strong, tall bowlers who hit the pitch hard and have genuine pace in South Africa," the 39-year-old said.
"Nobody likes facing anybody who is quick. When people say they like playing fast bowling, that is a lie - no one likes playing it as fast bowlers are the only ones who can hit you on the head.
"Steve Harmison is one of the best at it and his performances have been excellent over an extended period of time."