Steve Harmison on the mend

Profiles / Editor / 21 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Durham head coach Geoff Cook believes Steve Harmison is almost back to his best after destroying Worcestershire at New Road.

The England strike bowler claimed 5-63 in Worcestershire's second innings, to take his tally to eight for the match and steer Durham to a comfortable 241-run victory.

It was a timely reminder of his ability following a disappointing Ashes tour to Australia and Cook feels Harmison is reaping the rewards of playing cricket again with his county.

Former England batsman Cook also believes that Durham's pre-season tour to South Africa has benefited the 28-year-old and says it will not be long before he is back to the kind of form that once made him the number one bowler in the world.

"He threw in his lot over there (South Africa), his bowling is coming on now and he's getting back to the relaxed fellow he was when he first joined us," he said.

"He's enjoying playing for Durham and is starting to get towards Test-match standard with the ball now."

Durham are not fancied to win the County Championship Division One title and can be backed at 17, with Hampshire last matched at 3.3 and Lancashire and Sussex on offer at 3.4 and 3.5 respectively.

A revitalised Yorkshire, under new skipper Darren Gough, are now trading at 6.4, having been matched to small stakes at 20, following their 346-run victory over Surrey in the season opener.