Moores backs Harmison to fire

Steve Harmison shows his frustration in Dunedin

View photo story

Watch the close of play press conference with Peter Moores on ECBtv.

England coach Peter Moores believes fast bowler Steve Harmison is on course to be ready for next week’s first Test in Hamilton.

Harmison joined the tour late after attending the birth of his fourth child and his preparation is five days behind the other Test specialists who joined the one-day squad 10 days ago.

The Durham seamer was below his best on the first day of three against the Selection XI in Dunedin.

He claimed 1-59 from his 12 overs as the hosts closed on 177 for four in reply to England’s 131 all out.

“I thought today Steve bowled better but he still wouldn’t be where he wants to be yet,” conceded Moores. “At the moment he’s not had that much bowling.

“The plan here was the Test match guys came out 10 days before we finished the one-day series and Steve was booked on a flight but unfortunately he had problems with the birth so it was overdue and he got five days rather than 10 so he’s five days behind everyone else.

“The challenge now is for him to come through this game, do the best he can and put himself in the hat for selection. Steve’s had a challenging 12 months and I think he’d admit that.

“We’re very conscious that he needed bowling outside and unfortunately we’ve missed a bit of that. He’s bowled here but he’s not yet hitting his straps and that hopefully will come.

“When Steve bowls well he gets easy pace and we’ll work very hard at that but I also know that within that squad we’ve got other bowlers who I think are talented cricketers as well so I think it’s a fair scrap to see who gets the Test match place.”