Harmison and Collingwood in test squad

By Jon Steer
January 7 2004

Both Steve Harmisona and Paul Collingwood have retained their places in the England test squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. While Collingwood is also in the one day squad, Harmison will have to prove himself in the test arena to have a chance of playing in the one day games.

Although the inclusion of both Harmy and Colly was expected it is great to see them confirmed in the squad.

Harmison was the leading wicket taker for England last year and has obviously done enough to squash any doubts about his committment and fitness that the selectors may have had.

Colly is still likely to be England's sixth batsman in the Test squad but may yet have a chance of being selected ahead of Hussein if his bad run of form continues.

In the one day sqaud it is Colly who is in the more certain position where he has a well earned reputation as a great finisher and someone who doesn't give his wicket away easily. The selectors have said that two seam bowlers will be added to the one day squad after the end of the test series. A good performance from Harmy in the tests should see one of these places coming to him.

With the test series finishing mid April and the one day series extending into May, Durham could be without both players for the first five championship games.