Cook happy with Harmison

14 April 2007

Alastair Cook © Getty Images

England batsman and MCC captain Alastair Cook delighted in watching Steve Harmison return to form, just five weeks before the first Test of a busy international summer.

Harmison endured a torrid Ashes series but returned to first-class action against Sussex with 1-23 from 15 sharp overs on a batsman-friendly wicket.

The first Test against the West Indies starts on May 17 at Lord’s and Cook said: “Harmy is a crucial part of the England cog when he is fit and firing and to see him bowl like that was a very encouraging start.

“He has got pace, accuracy and that horrible nasty bounce which causes difficulties. It is nice to have a firing Steve Harmison because when he takes wickets England do well.

“I thought he had good rhythm today and it was nice to see him bowl well.”

Harmison and Matthew Hoggard struck early to reduce Sussex to 32 for two but the county champions mounted an impressive comeback.

Murray Goodwin scored 134 and Michael Yardy finished the day unbeaten on 80 as Sussex reached 265 for three in response to the MCC’s first innings total of 425.

“It turned into hard work as the pitch got flatter but I thought we stuck to our games quite nicely,” said Cook.

“Hoggy slightly struggled with his rhythm today, but that is what these games are for and the character he showed to keep running in means he is a good player to have on your team.

“They have probably taken the last two sessions but on that kind of wicket we can only stick to our gameplans and keep the ball on off stump.

“It would have been nice if the ball had seamed around like it did yesterday but it just dried out a bit.

“The key tomorrow is to use the new ball (which is due in five overs’ time) and get some quick wickets, remove Yardy and Matt Prior and get into their tail.”