By Jon Steer
November 4 2003

After missing the second test with back pain, Steve Harmison will rejoin the England squad when the other test specialists fly out later this month. Until then he will continue working on his fitness at the ECB Academy in Loughborough. The news of Harmison's fitness is a boost at a time when England are looking for a settled bowling attack. A lengthy absence now could have harmed Harmy's future. He has played in twelve on England's last fourteen tests and delivered his best match figures in the first test against Bangladesh.

Scans showed that Steve had only suffered muscular damage and is well on course to be fit for the Sri Lanka series. The ECB chief medical officer has stated he is 'very optimistic' that Steve will be ready for the first test.

Meanwhile in Bangladesh, Paul Collingwood will be in action tomorrow in the first one day warm up match against a BCB XI. With Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan restet, Colly is likely to bat at number three. The team will be captained by Andrew Flintoff.

Colly will be hoping for a good performance to stake his claim for a first team place in the forthcoming three match series which starts on friday.