Harmison called into England squad

LONDON, England -- England have added Steve Harmison to the squad for this month's tour of Sri Lanka after the fast bowler proved his fitness.

The 29-year-old has not played for his country since since the fourth Test against West Indies in June due to injuries.

The Durham paceman was initially named on standby for the Sri Lanka tour, then went to South Africa to play two club matches after recovering from hernia surgery.

He took nine wickets for 169 in one first-class match for Highveld Lions and 4-93 in another, which convinced England's selectors that he was worth adding as the 16th player in the touring party.

Harmison is expected to play in one of the two three-day practice matches in Colombo before the first Test in Kandy starting on December 1.

Coach Peter Moores said: "Steve will be in the mix with everybody else for that first Test. He has proved he can bowl without breaking down and that he is bowling fit, so the next question is whether he is playing well enough to play for his country.

"Steve has got to come here and get involved, and it will be good to see where he is at. It will be good to see him bowl, just as it will be good to see Michael Vaughan have a bat."

England have already suffered an injury scare with James Anderson, one of Harmison's rivals for the likely three seam-bowling places along with Matthew Hoggard, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom.

The Lancashire bowler pulled out of training with a stiff back on Sunday, and is being closely monitored by the team staff.

Moores added: "The physios feel it is an early twinge but we will be careful with it. They are expecting him to be better on Tuesday and to be able to take a part in this game, but we will have to wait and see."

England start the match against the Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI on Tuesday, and will face the same opposition from November 25-27. E-mail to a friend

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