Benk: England needs Harmison

Durham captain backs pace ace to make one-day return

By Rebecca Syrocki   Last updated: 13th August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benk: England needs Harmison

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England "desperately" need Steve Harmison in their one-day team according to Durham captain Dale Benkenstein.

Benkenstein tried to arrange for Harmison to make an early return to county colours on Wednesday in the LV County Championship. But the England and Wales Cricket Board insisted he should rest after his return to the Test arena.

"I think they need him desperately in one-day cricket," said Benkenstien.

"Especially in the last couple of overs of the powerplays and then going through the middle period where guys are getting ones and twos - if they get in they generally play it how they want it - but he's the guy who can let you still attack as a captain."

The England pace spearhead has not played an ODI in almost two years and although hhe announced his retirement at the age of 29 he still has much to offer according to Benkenstein.

"It would give you a totally different option to a lot of sides - they don't have that," he said.

"I think he's got a lot to offer in the one-day set-up - but I'm not sure what his feelings are on that."

Appetite

The question is whether Harmison has an appetite to play for his country in all forms.

"A lot of guys have maybe questioned his heart or whatever - when the team's needed him and he's either been a bit off the boil, or just maybe a lack of confidence at times," Benkenstein said.

"But when it comes to major situations against really good players, he wants to be involved."

Benkenstein has seen Harmison fight his way back into England reckoning by bowling almost 400 first-class overs already this season and argues the extra workload is exactly what he needs.

"I think the way they are thinking is that now is a perfect opportunity to keep him going [for the rest of Durham's championship campaign]," Benkenstein said.

"He is not going to be bowling every day. You don't want to overdo it, but in general he's been under-bowled.

"I think he does realise that and wants to keep on top of it, wants to make sure he's in good form when he gets out and plays."

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