Harmison: Not expecting to be in action at Cardiff
I've made it difficult for everyone. I've made it difficult for the selectors
Steve Harmison
Quotes of the week
Steve Harmison does not expect to play in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff, despite impressing for the England Lions against Australia.
The Durham paceman pushed his claims for an international recall with several hostile spells against the tourists in the warm-up fixture at New Road.
Australia opener Phil Hughes certainly struggled against the 30-year-old, being dismissed twice in the match by short deliveries.
While admitting he has made life tough for the national selectors, Harmison believes England will pick two spinners for the series opener.
"I've made it difficult for everyone. I've made it difficult for the selectors," he said. "But I don't think they will pick me for Cardiff.
"I think they are going to play two spinners in that game so I don't fit into that plan.
"I fully understand if that is the case. I will go back and play for Durham, work hard and try again for Lord's. If I still don't get in then, they know I'm fit and causing Australia problems if and when they need me.
"They know what I'm about but if they don't pick me, it will probably mean England are winning the series."
England name their squad for the opening Test on Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports 1, before the start of the Friends Provident Trophy semi-final between Lancashire and Hampshire.

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Villiers - Win has lifted us
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| Fixture |
|---|
| Sunday 22nd November |
| One Day Int Second Match |
| South Africa vs England |
| Monday 23rd November |
| Test Match First Test |
| New Zealand vs Pakistan |
| Tuesday 24th November |
| Test Match Second Test |
| India vs Sri Lanka |
| Thursday 26th November |
| Test Match First Test |
| Australia vs West Indies |
| Friday 27th November |
| One Day Int Third Match |
| South Africa vs England |
| Sunday 29th November |
| One Day Int Fourth Match |
| South Africa vs England |
| Wednesday 2nd December |
| Test Match Third Test |
| India vs Sri Lanka |
| Test Match Second Test |
| New Zealand vs Pakistan |
| Friday 4th December |
| Test Match Second Test |
| Australia vs West Indies |
| One Day Int Fifth Match |
| South Africa vs England |
| Result |
|---|
| Friday 20th November |
| One Day International Series |
| South Africa vs England No Result |
| Test Series |
| India vs Sri Lanka Match Drawn |
| Tuesday 17th November |
| Tour Match |
| South Africa A vs England England won by 4 wickets. |
| Sunday 15th November |
| International Twenty20 Match |
| South Africa vs England South Africa won by 84 runs. |
| Friday 13th November |
| International Twenty20 Match |
| South Africa vs England England won by 1 run. (Revised target - Duckworth-Lewis system) |
| International Twenty20 Series |
| Pakistan vs New Zealand Pakistan won by 7 runs. |
| Thursday 12th November |
| International Twenty20 Series |
| Pakistan vs New Zealand Pakistan won by 49 runs. |
| Women's Twenty20 International |
| West Indies Women vs England Women England Women won by 6 wickets. |
| Wednesday 11th November |
| One Day International Series |
| India vs Australia No Result |
| Tuesday 10th November |
| One Day International Series |
| South Africa vs Zimbabwe South Africa won by 212 runs. |
Expect fireworks in the International Sixes League as Graeme Smith's South Africa tackle England.
Watch the highlights from South Africa's win in the second Twenty20 International on skysports.com.
Catch up on all the latest from the Sky Sports commentary box with David Lloyd's tweetings.
James Tredwell is relishing the possibility of making his England debut at Centurion after turning down India for South Africa.
South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis has been ruled out of the ODI series against England due to a fractured rib.
Monty Panesar has questioned Northamptonshire's decision to let two English spinners leave the club.
Liam Plunkett is determined to make sure he isn't just carrying the drinks during England's series with South Africa.
New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond says he is delighted to be making an unexpected return to international Test cricket.
Comments (1)
Yusuf Salahudeen says...
Well Hughes really struggled against the likes of Harmison. He is really a good bowler. Hopefully he can get a place.
Posted 18:22 4th July 2009