Harmison should be picked for Tests: Flintoff by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

---

Player:	SJ Harmison, A Flintoff
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

---

DateLine: 29th September 2009

 

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff believes selectors must pick pacer Steve Harmison for the winter's Test series in South Africa.

 

Harmison it must be noted has told the England selectors, that if he is not picked he will retire from internationals.

 

But Fred, who has retired from Test cricket, has no doubts that his great friend should be on the plane.

 

"Of course he should," said Flintoff. "We had the biggest game of the summer in the Ashes at The Oval and he (Harmison) was playing.

 

"I'd have him in my side. Well I did do, didn't I? I'd have him in every day."

 

Flintoff, has another eight weeks of rehabilitation on crutches after he underwent an operation on his right knee after the Ashes.

 

He though expressed immense joy because of the success of the England side in South Africa.

 

"We have seen with England in the past that when we have underperformed we are very good at coming back," Flintoff said.

 

"With the one-day stuff we have struggled with consistency. We can beat anyone. We've won series but not strung a run of series together. Whatever it takes to be consistent we have just not found it. Hopefully the Champions Trophy is the start of that."

 

Flintoff also hailed newcomer Eoin Morgan, who hit five sixes in an impressive 67 against South Africa.

 

"Look at left-handers who play one-day cricket and finish games. England had Graham Thorpe and Neil Fairbrother. The Aussies had Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey. If Morgan could fill that void for England it would be a great asset," he said.

 

"He's started well, hit a few sixes. He plays left-handed but plays the odd right-handed shot and flicks them over the wicketkeeper. He's an exciting prospect."