Harmison concerns for McGrath

Glenn McGrath © Getty Images

Glenn McGrath has continued the mind games ahead of the Ashes series by claiming homesickness may hinder Steve Harmison’s performances this winter.

England touched down in Australia on Sunday, while the hosts are preparing for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in India.

Harmison struggled in that tournament, a series of erratic displays appearing to affect the fast bowler’s confidence.

Steve Harmison struggled in Australia © Getty Images

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The 28-year-old averages just under 29 with the ball in Test matches, but during the last Ashes series in Australia four years ago he took only nine wickets at an average of 50.

“He struggled here last time and that will be on his mind,” said fellow seamer McGrath, who should be in the side that plays West Indies.

“Mentally it will also be a big test for him because he is the sort of guy who gets quite homesick.”

McGrath singled out batsman Kevin Pietersen and captain Andrew Flintoff as England’s two main attacking weapons.

But he believes he has the measure of Ian Bell, who he dismissed for a golden duck in the last Test at The Oval during England’s 2-1 series victory last summer.

“He will be keen for success against us but is sure to remember how I rolled him for a first-ball duck,” McGrath said.

Ian Bell © Getty Images

The 36-year-old also believes injury-hit England are unprepared for the five-Test series, adding: “We are ready to play well from day one. I’m not sure you can say the same about England.”

“England is a vastly different team heading into the Ashes series to the one that beat us last year.

“Going into last year’s series on home soil, England had virtually the same team for 18 months and had built up a lot of momentum and confidence, but a lot has changed in 15 months.

“So much so that, if the English aren’t on their game come the start of the first Test at the Gabba, we will hammer them.”

The first Test begins in Brisbane on November 23.