Harmy returns at Headingley

Durham paceman replaces Sidebottom at Headingley

Last updated: 21st August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Harmy returns at Headingley

Harmison: Out of retirement

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Steve Harmison will come out of international retirement for Friday's opening one-day international against South Africa at Headingley.

The Durham paceman was restored to the England Test team for the final npower Test - Kevin Pietersen's first as captain - which ended in victory at the Oval.

Now Pietersen has persuaded Harmison to end his self-imposed exile from the one-day game as a replacement for the injured Ryan Sidebottom.

The 29-year-old played the last of his 46 one-day internationals during the Champions Trophy in India two years ago.

He announced his decision to retire from ODIs following the 2006-07 Ashes series in order to spend more time with his family.

He has since repeatedly insisted that he had no intention of returning to the national limited overs team.

Reassess

"After recently being asked by the England management to reassess my retirement from international one-day cricket I've decided to join England's squad for the NatWest Series after careful consideration," said Harmison.

"It's something I have been thinking about for a period of time and due to recent injuries in the England camp the opportunity has arisen for me to play a role in this series.

"I decided to retire from England's ODI team for a number reasons, one being the amount of time I was spending away from my family.

"Now that my family is settled and my bowling is settled I feel I have something to offer England's ODI side and am looking forward to playing a part in the NatWest Series against South Africa.

"Having missed out on selection at various times this year I am well aware of the disappointment that comes from not being a part of the England dressing room.

"With that in mind I want to be a part of the team and if that means bringing myself out of retirement to play a role in this upcoming NatWest Series then I'm happy to do just that.

"At the moment my focus is on doing well in the ODIs against South Africa and I'm not looking beyond that at this stage."