Harmison returns home from India

Shin problems
By Jon Steer
March 20 2006

Steve Harmison has been ruled out of the remainder of England's tour of India. He missed the final test due to sore shins and has now been told to go home and rest instead of taking part in the upcoming one day series.

Harmy sustained the injury during the second test and subsequant scans ruled him out of the third test which started less than week later. The decision that he should miss the one day series as well was taken after consultation with a specialist.

Harmy remained philisophical, "I've always said injuries are part of sport. I am disappointed, but the best thing is to move on," he said.

The England management will be keen to have Harmy fit and ready for the first of England's first match of the Summer, a test against Sri Lanka in early May. It's possible that the injury has made it more likely that Harmy will be seen playing for Durham in the early part of the season, county games may be seen as the best way for him to prove his fitness ahead of the Summer test series.

Whatever happens Durham and England fans will be watching his progress carefully.

Matthew Hoggard has taken Harmy's place in the one day squad and it could give more opportunities to Liam Plunkett in the seven match series.