Test chance for Harmison

Fast bowler Harmison, 29, has been named in the XI which take on a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President's XI in a first-class fixture, one which will also include a face-off between Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara for the number six spot.

Having only managed half-a-dozen overs in the free-for-all practice match earlier this week, partly because his kit was held up in transit from Johannesburg, Harmison will get a fair trial in the three-day contest.

"It is a finding-out process for Steve as well," said coach Peter Moores, of Harmison, who admits to rustiness despite taking 13 wickets in two South African domestic matches.

"He will be interested on how he bowls in these conditions in what will be a first-class game - and he is going to start with his boots this time!

"With only three seamers there will be more overs to bowl. When you share it around you do not go through the same process as a bowler.

"You don't get your first, second and third spells and don't get to bowl when fatigued.

"He is the same as everybody else, it is a pretty even playing field and it is how you perform.

"We will make the call for the Test as we see it but we will pick who we think are the best bowlers.

"You don't want to take risks unless you have to and I am hoping through the fullness of time, building up to that Test match, it becomes clear to everybody within the selection process, what style of cricket we are playing, who best fits that, who's bowling best, who's batting best."