Harmison's Buoyancy Has Lesson for Collingwood

Five rain breaks meant only 32 overs were possible in Nottingham yesterday but they may not have been without consequence. Twelve were bowled by Steve Harmison and, as his county captain, Dale Benkenstein, put it, the Durham paceman "made the pitch look a bit quicker than everyone else".

Encouragingly from England's perspective he also made the ball move off the straight. In short, he looked as close to his international best as he has all season and Benkenstein made it clear he believes Harmison is now ready for a return. "Harmy's had enough cricket now, he's confident, he's got good rhythm and control, there's no reason why if there's a bit in the wicket and a bit of bounce, he wouldn't get it out of it," said Benkenstein. "He's been brilliant, he just poses a threat every time he comes on. He's done it at international level for many years, he's confident now and that's where the big difference is in any sportsman."

At the same time, said the South African, Paul Collingwood may benefit from a confidence-reviving period back with his county: "I do think England could be a lot better, they haven't done themselves any favours, they've selected themselves into a bit of a hole. Colly has still got another chance to go out and prove himself. He's that type of character, a proper fighter. But I also think that, if he doesn't, it's sometimes not a bad thing to get away from all the pressure and get in and get some runs in county cricket. He's still one of the best one-day players in the world."

Harmison's immediate reward was two wickets, taking him to 42 for the season. The first, Matthew Wood, was trapped leg- before by a quick delivery which moved back into him and stayed low into the bargain. The second, Mark Wagh, fenced a hostile lifter to third slip. With Callum Thorp persuading Samit Patel to push a straight delivery into midwicket's hands, and Benkenstein getting Adam Voges lbw, only Bilal Shafayat's patient unbeaten half-century ensured honours remained approximately even.