Harmison misses out on Test squad Ashes

Harmison misses out on Test squad

First Ashes Test: England v Australia
Venue: The Swalec Stadium, Cardiff Date: 8-12 July
Coverage: Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 Long Wave, Red Button and BBC Sport website, plus live text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles. Live on Sky Sports
Steve Harmison
Harmison took six wickets against Australia for England Lions

Steve Harmison has failed to make the 13-man England squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia, which starts in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Harmison had played down his chances ahead of the squad announcement as he expected England to play with two spinners, while the form of his England rivals Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Onions put them ahead of him in the pecking order.

But Miller did give Harmison hope of a recall later in the series if the pitches suit his attributes of pace and steepling bounce.

"It's a long series, we've got five Test matches in all kinds of conditions. We need strength in depth," said Miller.

"We did talk about Steve and one or two others. We are in a nice position where we have got people who can come in at one or two minutes notice."

Australia captain Ponting is fully aware of the threat Harmison carries and hailed the bowler after the draw against the England Lions.

"Anyone who can bowl that sort of pace, with his height and the ability to swing the odd one away from the right-hander, you've got all the makings of one of the all-time great fast bowlers there's no doubt about that," said Ponting.

"He bowls at over 90mph and, with his height, it's a pretty handy package.

"I think we've known for a long time that he can be a quality bowler on his day and I think at different times during this game he's shown that."

England squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior, Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy Anderson, Monty Panesar, Ian Bell, Graham Onions.

Courtesy : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/8134166.stm
Harmison misses out on Test squad