Cook rues Harmison absence
Jun 23 2009 - 13:37:02
Durham head coach Geoff Cook has voiced his concern that England have overlooked paceman Steve Harmison.
The fast bowler has hit top form for his county in recent weeks, but was left out of the 16-man squad named to prepare for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff in early July.
Cook told The Chronicle: "Can I see an England side with Graham Onions and Harmison in it this summer?
"Well, they aren't in the team at the moment and they'll be disappointed, but there are five Tests against the Australians and there could be injuries and loss of form for the selectors to think about.
"They've got to be the first cabs off the ranks as far as I'm concerned.
"Every selector has a different vision for the England team, but it doesn't look like Graham or Stephen are first-choice seam bowlers.
"England will have a clear idea of what they intend to do in the first Test and Cardiff has had a reputation as a turning wicket this summer, so they look as though they intend to go into it with two spinners.
"Graham and Stephen are both very unfortunate in my opinion, because they've been bowling fantastically well this season as individuals and as a strike bowling pair.
"But they couldn't do it without the back-up of other people and it's been how well we've bowled as a unit which has really pleased me."