Harmison ignores furore over recall

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BIRMINGHAM, England, July 29 (AFP): Stephen Harmison is confident he will be able to focus on the task in hand should his recall to the England squad see him in action against South Africa in the third Test at Edgbaston starting here today (Wednesday).

The fast bowler's inclusion in a 13-man party was the most eye-catching decision when the England selectors unveiled their squad at the weekend following a 10-wicket second Test defeat at Headingley that left them 1-0 down in the four-Test series with two to play.

England appear to be banking on the Durham fast bowler's extra pace to upset the South Africa top order although it was the failure of the home side's batsmen that proved the key to their undoing in Leeds.

Harmison was dropped after England's first Test defeat away to New Zealand in March, having too often failed to make the most of his natural talent.

And question marks have also been raised about his resolve, especially away from home, with his extraordinarily wide first ball in the 2006/07 Ashes symbolic of what some believe is a flaky mental approach.

Former England captain Michael Atherton is among those who remain unconvinced by Harmison's credentials, saying his return was "as uninspiring as his recent record in international cricket and his attitude".