What are your thoughts on Steve Harmison coming out of ODI retirement?

Question

Should I be doing cartwheels down the street, or drowning myself is a cesspit?

Yes, the wayward one is back. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

He is great competitor when on form. I think the game has changed a bit he could really get targeted banging the ball in.  The South Africans know what to with the quicker bowlers. I wish him luck he had a great last test match and Pieterson knows how to get the best from him  

Answer 2

Good for England as he adds genuine pace and bounce to the attack.

I also think his sheer unpredicatability can unsettle the opposition as they do not know what he is going to do.

He is one of my favourite bowlers as his overs are always very interesting to watch - he always makes something happen whether flattening the stumps, hitting the batsman's helmet or bowling to first slip!

Answer 3

Its a positive step from him. Signalling that he is once more comfortable with both his cricketing and homelife. It can only be good for England to have another high quality bowler around as it eases the burden on the other guys.

Answer 4

It is good to hear in one way, but let's just hope he has made a good recovery from his mental woes. He has been through some rough patches & it would be hard to cope if he hasn't.So don't jump in any pits yet & keep the cartwheels to a minimum!

Answer 5

Could it be something to do with all that cash that seems to be going around for the 20/20 now !!!!???

I couldn't believe a centrally contracted player was actually allowed to say he didn't want to play the one day format ,He signed a contract and it was up to the selectors to decide if he played or not.

He is very lucky he has been picked for international cricket at all after all his messing around over the last 12 - 18 months

However if he can get the ball in the right place he is a dangerous bowler . I want to see much more consitancy and also that he is ready for action on the first day of a tour  

Answer 6

I actually think it's a good thing, I still think he is a very good bowler and is still a pretty useful part of any team. And it's a good move if he wants to prolong his Test career. Harmison is the type of bowler who needs to bowl, he needs to constantly practice to be any good and be an effective player. Being part of the ODI squad will allow him to keep his bowling sharp at international level before the games in India later in the year (if he goes). Of course whether he remains a permanent fixture in the ODI squad remains to be seen but I think he'll make a good re-addition and as he seems to be a lot more settled guy it can only have a positive influence on his bowling and overall game.

Of course if it does all go down the pan I'll have to drown myself alongside you in that cesspit, lol.

Answer 7

well steve has always been hit the deck kinda bowler mostly on the shorter side thats the mere reason why he didnt enjoy much success in ODI`s . hatrick against india being only exception that to came against tail enders . unlike in test cricket where he is on to the batsman most of the times with his 140+ pace .the story wont be any different then earlier even if he is selected to play ODI`s  for english  

Answer 8

I hope he is ok now, he's had his ups and downs, but he deserves better luck this time around.Good to see him back.

Answer 9

that was not a correct decision.  now its f9. welcome back Harmi

Answer 10

It could be worse! Monty Panesar could be playing.

Answer 11

There is some sentimental value. can he bring back the great performance of 2005 Natwest Series in which he took 15 wickets for 236 runs in 342 balls ?

After that series, what happened to him ? He played 5 series, 15 matches in which he took 19 wickets for 790 runs in 820 balls. His best came against Ireland (3 for 58 in 60 balls).

I think that he will have an average performance. I believe that his best is behind him, not ahead of him. But who knows ? May be he will drive himself mad and bring out his best for Kevin Pietersen. All the best, Steve !

There was one bowler whom England had forgotten by name Jonathan Lewis. Why are they leaving him from ODI team ?

Answer 12

At that time back in late 2006 when he announced his retirement from ODIs, he was lacking alot of self belief & was disappinted maybe so now I guess he's getting back some confidence & passion for the game. Thats good for him but, I doubt he'll be able to reach the same level as he was in his prime (2004-05). I'll be happy if he proves me wrong.

Good luck to him!

Answer 13

could this be a stepping stone to twenty 20 cricket where big money is on offer?

Answer 14

I just asked the exact same question like seconds after you!! lol

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what to think about it. I'm glad he's back as he gives us an extra dimension with the bowling attack however thats only if he remains consistant, which we all know is not particularly part of "the Harmison package".

Playing county cricket has got him bowling straight and with good pace. My fear is that he'll bowl perfectly well in some ODI matches and still go for runs through nicks, lucky shots etc. That's what happens in one-day matches. If that happens, how will he cope mentally with it? He'll start thinking that he's bowling in the wrong place, change things around and end up bowling badly and that will then filter off into any future Test matches he plays.

Anyone who says he's come back for the Stanford cash is wrong. Since when have you seen Harmison out doing the PR routine and selling his image on adverts? I recall a press advert he did for Northern Rock appearing alongside Wilkinson and Michael Owen and that's it.

In addition to that, Harmison was approached by the ICL this year and refused to play because he said his focus was on getting back into the England side. At that time loads of people had written him off as an international cricketer.

I'm simply going to wait and see how he does before making my mind up. One things for sure, Durham will miss him! :)