April 16, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 9, 1429

CHESTER-LE-STREET (England), April 15: England fast bowler Stephen Harmison has insisted he still has an international future, regardless of his growing band of critics.

The 29-year-old quick was dropped after a wretchedly wayward performance in the first Test of England’s recent tour of New Zealand and now faces a battle to regain his place.

Former England opening batsman Geoff Boycott has said England should “forget” Harmison.

Meanwhile, Harmison’s fellow seamer Andrew Caddick, still playing for Somerset several years after being discarded by England, has questioned whether the Durham man still wants to be a Test player.

But Harmison, who will have to take wickets for his native Durham in the County Championship if he is to force his way into the England side for the home series with New Zealand and South Africa, made it clear he wanted to return to the international arena.

“I wouldn’t play for Durham if I didn’t think I would play for England — I can’t stress that enough that I still want to play international cricket,” Harmison, the world’s leading pace bowler four years ago, said.

“This is definitely not the end of my England career — sometimes you have to take a step back before moving forward.

“And if that means me taking a step back and not playing Test cricket for the first part of this summer then OK,” Harmison, who has taken 212 wickets in 57 Tests, added.

“I have got to go back to basics a bit. I need to get back my consistency and the only way I’ll get that is by playing cricket, taking wickets, and then I can put my hat back in the ring.

“I am under no illusions that I’ve maybe taken a step back in the way I performed in the last 18 months but I’ve only played a handful of games. And most of those games have been Test matches.

“People like to have a pop at me but I’ve got broad shoulders and I’ll take it on the chin. They are having a field day and sticking in their 50p worth.

“But the critics have had their turn — now I’ve the chance to have my turn.” Harmison speaking on Monday, said he took heart from the recent performances of two other north-east sporting heroes in Newcastle Falcolns rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.

“We have a culture of kicking people when we’re down and there are a couple of north-east sportsmen not far from here in different sports who have had a horrendous time lately.

“Seeing them come back spurs you on. They have spurred me and said to me ‘keep knocking and I’ll have my chance’.

And he insisted his delayed departure to New Zealand to witness the birth of his son had not been the reason behind his poor form on tour.

“I’ll never apologise for staying behind for the birth of my son. It has not cost me my Test place —I did not bowl very well, that is why I did not play the last two Test matches in New Zealand. I don’t think it’ll ever happen again — I’ve got four children now - but if it ever happens again there is no doubt in my mind that I would stay again.—AFP