Stephen Harmison set for medical fitness check by AFP

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Ground:	Kennington Oval, Kennington
Player:	SJ Harmison
Event:	Pakistan in British Isles 2006

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DateLine: 20th August 2006

 

England fast bowler Stephen Harmison is to have a medical assessment at the end of the ongoing fourth Test against Pakistan here at The Oval, a team spokesman said Sunday.

 

The Durham fast bowler revealed Saturday he'd been struggling with a back and side compaint and looked well below his best while taking four for 125 in Pakistan's first innings 504, where he went wicketless for 22.5 overs.

 

"He's going to be assessed by the medical staff at the end of this match and if a scan is warranted he'll have one and if not he won't," England team spokesman James Avery said of Harmison.

 

"I'm told by the medical staff that the nature of the problem is stiffness in the back," Avery added.

 

Harmison, England's strike fast bowler, himself said Saturday: "There is something in the side/back area which has caused a bit of a concern. It's something new but I'm not going to make excuses."

 

This match, due to conclude Monday, is England's final Test before they begin the defence of the Ashes against Australia at Brisbane's Gabba ground on November 23.

 

England already have an unbeatable 2-0 lead against Pakistan in what is a four-Test series.

 

But for all of it they have been operating with a four-man, as opposed to five-man attack, in the absence pace bowling all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, currently sidelined with an ankle problem.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)