By Jon Steer
September 10 2003

Both Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood have been selected for the test squad to tour Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Colly is also in the one day squad and has been awarded a central contract by the ECB. It is quite a boost for the reputation of Durham County Cricket Club that only last year's champions Surrey have more players in the test squad with three to Durham's two.

Collingwood was tipped by many to make his test debut this Summer but missed out due to his dislocated shoulder but has shown good form in the few matches he has played this season.

Unlike Steve Harmison who looks a pretty automatic selection, Colly is by no means certain to make it into the test team. The all-rounder spot is already taken by Andrew Flintoff. According to the selectors, Colly will be used to strengthen the batting if necessary, which seems a little unlikely against Bangladesh!

The tour party fly out to Bangladesh on 6th October to play two tests and three one day internationals. A further three ODIs and three tests against Sri Lanka complete the pre-Christmas leg of the tour.