Collingwood bemoans Harmy absence - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Collingwood bemoans Harmy absence

Paul Collingwood believes the loss of Steve Harmison will hit Durham hard in Saturday's Friends Provident final against Hampshire.

England fast bowler Harmison, 28, has been ruled out of the north-east county's inaugural Lord's one-day showpiece following the latest setback in an injury-hit season.

"No doubt he's devastated; it's sad news for him and obviously a blow for the team," said Collingwood. "Losing a bowler like that, it's going to hit any team hard and it's a little bit of a downer."

Having only recently returned from a hernia operation in his bid to make Durham's big day, Harmison was sidelined after suffering with stiffness in his lower back during the County Championship clash with Surrey this week.

"It was touch and go and he did everything to get back to full fitness," added Collingwood.

"It's very unfortunate as, for local lads like us, it's one of the biggest games in our lives.

"To have a full house down there including all your own supporters will make it really special."

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