The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Steve Harmison ruled out of Test series

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Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007
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Steve Harmison ruled out of Test series

Special Correspondent

London: English fast bowler Steve Harmison has been ruled out of the three-Test series against India after it was decided that his aggravated hernia problem needed surgery.

Harmison, who had earlier pulled out of the first Test here at Lord’s, was booked for operation on Tuesday, said English coach Peter Moores. He is expected to be out for six weeks.

“We have a good medical team, and we delayed this decision till the last possible moment,” said Moores. “Now it’s all about getting it done as quickly as possible.”

Harmison, who had been diagnosed with “non-serious” hernia during the final Test against the West Indies, suffered a recurrence while playing against Sussex last week.

Did Moores think Harmison’s withdrawal would compound the problems England faces with the non-availability of Andrew Flintoff? “There’s little choice,” said Moores.

“You have to work with what you’ve got. The good thing is we have Ryan Sidebottom in, who is the sort of senior, mature exponent of what he does. He may not have a lot of Test experience, but he’s got a lot of first class experience.”

Absence of a coach

Moores didn’t think the absence of a coach would affect India.

“Obviously I’m not part of their set-up, but they have a lot of experience in their senior men. Their cricket manager is very experienced as well. Coaching is about guiding and advising and they have that in a different way, if perhaps not a coach in name.”

How did he see the Test series playing out? “From the experience they have on paper, it looks like it will be a good contest,” said Moores.

“For me, every Test series you go back to square one. You do your preparation, you look to the first Test to set the tone and make a mark. We feel very positive about the series. Obviously we will target a win, and we’ll be ready for a contest,” he added.

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