LONDON, Aug 20: England fast bowler Steve Harmison had his bat stolen after thieves broke into his car, police confirmed Tuesday.

Harmison, a Newcastle United fan, was watching his side begin their English Premiership season with a 4-0 home thrashing of West Ham Monday when the incident happened.

Durham quick Harmison, who made his England debut during the drawn second Test against India at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, earlier this month, only managed to score three runs.

And while he was annoyed at the loss of his bat, he was relieved that the England cap - the priceless memento players receive to mark their elevation to the international side - had not been stolen too.

Harmison, 24, had deen due to drive down to Headingley, Leeds, on Monday to meet up with the rest of the England squad for training ahead of Thursday’s third Test against India.

“I was very relieved that they didn’t get my England cap - it was staring them in the face along with my helmet but for some reason they didn’t take it,” explained Harmison.

“It hasn’t been the best preparation for Thursday’s Test but there is time to get my head round, put it to one side and not let idiots hamper what’s going to happen in that Test match,” Harmison added.

After reporting the loss to police he found the strip bearing his initials had been discovered by a resident in Avalon Walk in the West End.

Harmison, on a Trent Bridge pitch not conducive to fast bowling, finished with encouraging match figures against India of five for 120.—AFP