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CRICKET: DURHAM’S HARMISON RULED OUT OF LORD'S FINAL August 16, 2007
(SomaliNet) After feeling discomfort following the second day of Durham's Championship match against Surrey on Tuesday, Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison has been ruled out of Saturday's Friends Provident Trophy final due to a back injury.
The results identified internal bleeding in his back, thought to be related to a muscle injury, and he will not play in Saturday's FP Trophy final against Hampshire - Durham's first ever one-day final appearance at Lord's.
The 28-year-old was playing his first Championship match since a hernia operation, but the latest injury is unrelated.
"The severity of the injury has surprised everyone and the timing couldn't be worse," Harmison told the county's official website.
"Having played for Durham through the lean years I was looking forward to making my mark in Durham's first ever final and I'm heartbroken I won't be playing.
"However, we have a strong squad and whoever steps up to take my place will be a quality player.
"It doesn't matter which 11 players we put out at Lord's we have a good chance of bringing the trophy back to Durham and I'll be in London with the team to give them any help they need."
The decision for Harmison to miss the FP Trophy final was made following discussions between Durham and the England and Wales Cricket Board's medical staff.
Harmison is centrally contracted, meaning the final decision on his participation rested with the ECB.
"Initial scans have suggested that there appears to be a muscle tear with an associated haematoma," read a statement on the ECB's website.
"This will be re-evaluated by the ECB medical team in order to assess the full extent of the injury.
"Following discussions between Durham and ECB medical staff, it has been decided that Harmison will not play in the Friends Provident Trophy final at Lord's this Saturday.
"It is not possible at present to determine the length of Harmison's recovery time from this injury but a further statement will be made in due course."-Sky sports