Harmison has a future in Tests: Onions by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SJ Harmison, G Onions

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DateLine: 9th October 2009

 

England seamer Graham Onions believes Steve Harmison will stage a comeback in Test cricket despite his omission from the England squad to tour South Africa.

 

The England selectors decided to overlook the 30-year-old for the five-Test tour, which begins later this month.

 

Harmison was one of the key members in England's success in the Ashes in 2005 and took five wickets in this summer's series win over Australia after being recalled for the final two Tests.

 

His supporters had argued that his height could have been beneficial on the bouncy track in South Africa but the England hierarchy opted against choosing the seamer, who had reportedly demanded he be guaranteed a place in Andrew Strauss' starting line-up.

 

Onions though believes that his county colleague can continue to perform in Test cricket.

 

"There's no doubt in my mind that he's still a very, very good bowler and if he wants to play for England again he will continue to take wickets for Durham and force his way back in to that side," Onions said.

 

"He's shown he's a very good bowler you don't play 60-odd Tests and take over 200 wickets and not be a very good Test bowler so without a doubt he's a world class performer."

 

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was named in both the Test and ODI squads despite not having played since July due to an Achilles injury.

 

Onions warned the selectors, though, that Pietersen should not be rushed back into the side.

 

"There's no point in having a 40% fit Kevin Pietersen in the side," the 27-year-old added.

 

"It's obviously a bonus having one of the best players in the world in our squad but it's important that when he does play for England he's fully fit and raring to go, which I'm sure he will."