Harmison seeks fitness boost

Steve Harmison is to play two matches in South Africa in a bid to boost his fitness for England duty.

Durham bowling duo agree deals in South Africa

Steve Harmison is to play two matches in South Africa as he looks to improve his fitness ahead of England's tour of Sri Lanka. The England fast bowler is set to join Highveld Lions, while Durham team-mate Liam Plunkett has agreed a four-month deal to play for the Dolphins. Harmison's last appearance for England came in the final Test against West Indies at Chester-le-Street in June. A hernia injury ruled him out of the Test series against India, before a back problem forced him to miss the final month of the domestic season.

Gamble

He was awarded a central contract by the ECB but knows the selectors would be taking a gamble by taking him to Sri Lanka for the forthcoming Test series if he does not prove his match fitness beforehand. "The ECB are in the process of finalising the details for Steve," an ECB spokesman told Cricinfo.com. "The idea is for him to play two first-class matches for Highveld Lions in November as a part of his rehabilitation process." New England bowling coach Ottis Gibson is expected to accompany Harmison to South Africa.