Harmison backed to make Oval return

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Harmison took two top-order wickets at Trent Bridge yesterday as County Championship leaders Nottinghamshire struggled to 114 for four in reply to 266.

Notts director of cricket Newell was happy to give credit to the man who, with 42 wickets, is leading the way in the top division this summer.

"Steve's line's been excellent, and he's got more pace out of the wicket than anybody else," said Newell. "He's made our batsmen work pretty hard." Harmison was included in the squad for this week's Third Test but then left out the day before the match at Edgbaston. Yet conditions at The Oval next week may be to his liking.

"The wicket at The Oval will have a lot more bounce and I'm sure he'd be a handful," Newell said. "Harmison should definitely be in the 12."

Durham skipper Benkenstein has noted England's problems and was not worried about being diplomatic.

"They have not done themselves any favours," said the ex-South Africa international all-rounder.

"England have selected themselves into a bit of a hole. The result has been inconsistency. Even in the New Zealand series, just from a cricketing point of view, I don't think they played that well.

"Harmy is confident now, and that's the big difference for any sportsman. I'd love to see him back in the England side."