England call-up gives Harmison a Test lifeline

Harmison was told to prove his fitness and form in South Africa before being confirmed as the 16th member of Michael Vaughan's squad for the three-Test series in Sri Lanka.

When he finally arrived here in Colombo this week, his first bowl for England since a hernia operation and back problems cut short his international summer was initially delayed in near-farcical manner because his bowling boots and special insoles were stuck in a bag that went missing in Dubai en route from Johannesburg.

After it ended with a spell of six wicketless overs for 48 runs, speculation grew that the 6ft 5in Durham man might make way in the final Test side for rookie Stuart Broad, who is seen as a real prospect to bat as high as No 8.

But Harmison's inclusion in the team to face the Sri Lankan Board President's XI starting in Colombo today — the final warm-up match before the first Test in Kandy on Saturday — put him in pole position should England plump for three quick bowlers and Monty Panesar as the sole spinner.

Indeed, had Harmison been omitted, many would have taken it as a sign that his series was all but over before it began. With Broad and others impressing during England's oneday win here last month, it would have placed a big question-mark over his future.

No wonder Harmison admitted last night he was relieved to be given the opportunity to win over the doubters.

"All I ever asked (coach) Peter Moores and (chairman of selectors) David Graveney was a chance to fight for my place," he said. "When the initial squad was announced for this series I said I was disappointed not to be named from the start because I felt the only thing I had done wrong was get injured.

"I instigated the plan to go to South Africa because I wanted to show people how committed I was to play for England. Even now, if they don't pick me for the first Test I will say good luck to whoever plays instead and work doubly hard to get back in.

"One thing I will say is that the delay in my boots arriving was a bit of a blessing in disguise. Having just spent 190 odd overs in the field in my last game for Highveld Lions, then spent 16 hours in the air, I didn't really feel in any fit state to bowl. The proof will be how I bowl in this match. But I don't think I could be any more ready to give it a good crack."

The decision to rest Ryan Sidebottom indicates the left-armer is certain to play his first overseas Test, with the two remaining fast bowling slots to be contested by Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and James Anderson. Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara fight for the sixth and last batting position.