Harmison comes out of retirement

21 August 2008

Steve Harmison has been called up to England’s one-day squad after Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of the opening NatWest Series ODI due to a groin injury.

Harmison has come out of retirement from the one-day game as he joins England’s squad ahead of tomorrow’s first day/night match against South Africa at Headingley Carnegie.

The Durham fast bowler announced his retirement from one-day cricket following the 2006/2007 Ashes series in Australia and played his last ODI for England against Australia at the ICC Champions Trophy in October 2006.

Harmison said: ”After recently being asked by the England management to reassess my retirement from international one-day cricket I’ve decided to join England’s ODI squad for the NatWest Series after careful consideration.

Steve Harmison on his last appearance for England in one-day colours, against Australia in late 2006

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"It’s something I have been thinking about for a period of time and due to recent injuries in the England camp the opportunity has arisen for me to play a role in this series.

“I decided to retire from England’s ODI team for a number reasons, one being the amount of time I was spending away from my family.

"Now that my family is settled and my bowling is settled I feel I have something to offer England’s ODI side and am looking forward to playing a part in the NatWest Series against South Africa.

“Having missed out on selection at various times this year, I am well aware of the disappointment that comes from not being a part of the England dressing room.

"With that in mind I want to be a part of the team and if that means bringing myself out of retirement to play a role in this upcoming NatWest Series then I’m happy to do just that.

“At the moment my focus is on doing well in the ODIs against South Africa and I’m not looking beyond that at this stage.”

Sidebottom was ruled out of tomorrow’s first ODI with a groin injury after undergoing a fitness test earlier today.

He will be reassessed over the next 48 hours before a decision will be made on his availability for the second ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.