England weigh up Harmison cover options by AFP

---

Player:	SJ Harmison
Event:	Pakistan in British Isles 2006

---

DateLine: 30th August 2006

 

England are set to give themselves an additional bowling option for their forthcoming one-day series against Pakistan after Stephen Harmison pulled out with a back problem.

 

His withdrawal was announced after England's five-wicket Twenty20 defeat by Pakistan in Bristol on Monday - a match in which the Durham spearhead fast bowler didn't play.

 

Ahead of the start of the five-match series against Pakistan, which begins Wednesday with a day/night contest in Cardiff, an England statement on Tuesday said: "The England selectors will place a bowler on standby after the first NatWest ODI in Cardiff, provided there are no further injuries to England's seam bowlers."

 

An England spokesman clarified the statement to say that were another England quick to be sidelined, a replacement would come into the squad proper straight away.

 

In Harmison's absence, England gave the new-ball to veteran Darren Gough and novice Stuart Broad in Bristol - a combination they are likely to use again at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens ground.

 

As well as Harmison, England are currently also without pacemen Simon Jones, Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson through injury.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)