Harmison decision heralds the end of an era

Oct 9 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

England do not want to pick Stephen Harmison anymore and he does not really want to play for them either. Chief sports writer Luke Edwards says it is only a matter of time until he announces his international retirement.

STEPHEN Harmison has, and probably always will be, an enigma as a cricketer, yet there is nothing overly difficult or complicated about him as a person. He is just a simple man full of contradictions.

The cricketer who loves playing the game but who hates the travel required to play it. The most feared fast bowler in the world who can be a pleasure to score runs against.

The most dedicated England team member whose attitude has always been called into question. A gentle giant who can be a horrible bully with a cricket ball in his hand.

If England’s coaching staff had ever managed to work him out he could have been the greatest fast bowler this country has ever produced, but his form is a riddle they have never found the answer to.

At times, nobody has bowled with more venom in world cricket. At others, the idea of Harmison as a strike bowler has been far better than the reality.

He has been one of the most infuriating cricketers of his generation and that is how many will always see him.

But it should never be forgotten that he has also been one of its best.