Harmison presses case for Test recall

Worcester: Stephen Harmison reinforced his claims for England's third quick berth in next week's Ashes opener by skittling out Australia's rookie opener Phillip Hughes and captain Ricky Ponting here at New Road on Friday.

Stephen Harmison, seen here during a practice session in 2008. © AFP

Rising star Hughes can expect plenty of short stuff during the first Test in Cardiff after being bounced out for the second time by Harmison in Australia's final warm-up match.

But at least fellow Ashes newcomer Marcus North spent precious time in the middle as his unbeaten 39 helped guide the tourists to 140 for three at tea on the third day of their four-day match here with the England Lions, a lead of 146 runs.

North, promoted above Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke to No.4, had scored one, 11 and one in his three previous warm-up innings on this tour.

Uncapped leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who earlier scored 10 fours in a classy innings of 66, dismissed Simon Katich (37) thanks to a wonderful reflex catch from Stephen Moore at bat-pad.

Hughes has enjoyed a stellar start to his international career and had a prolific spell with county side Middlesex earlier this season. But he has appeared vulnerable to the well-directed bouncer during this match.

The 20-year-old left-handed opener again faced a short-pitched barrage before Harmison, bowling from around the wicket, cramped Hughes and a catch flew to second slip Eoin Morgan off the batsman's gloves.

Harmison then had Ponting, driving away from his body, caught in the gully by Rashid for 15.

At tea, Harmison had match figures of six wickets for 109 runs from 33 overs.

Stephen Harmison (R) bowls to Australian batsman Philip Hughes in Worcester on July 1, 2009. © AFP

Earlier, the tourists' pace trio needed 75 minutes to claim the Lions' final four wickets with Rashid's half-century adding to Moore's 120 and fifties from Joe Denly and Steven Davies on the second day.

Brett Lee was denied his best-ever first class bowling figures when wicket-keeper Brad Haddin spilled his second straightforward catch of the game, putting down Harmison towards the end of the Lions' innings.

Haddin dropped Lions centurion Moore on 41 on Thursday.

Lee had earlier roughed up Sajid Mahmood before sending him packing with his next delivery when the ball ricocheted off the Lancashire bowler's shoulder and rolled onto the stumps.

The 32-year-old paceman seems certain to have booked a spot in Australia's line-up for the first Test against England, which starts on Wednesday, after returning figures of six wickets for 76 runs in 27 overs with a venomous burst of pace and swing.

Mitchell Johnson (one for 118) struck in his first over with the second new ball when Tim Bresnan played onto leg stump while Stuart Clark finished with two for 40 as the Lions came within six runs of Australia's first innings 358.

AFP