IT was a bit of shock when Steve Harmison announced that he was going to dust off his England one-day boots.

Two years ago the once world’s number one quick decided to retire from international limited overs cricket but, with a new regime pestering him to return, the Durham paceman has said ‘yes’.

The 29-year-old made his comeback in the first one-day international against South Africa at Headingley following injury to Ryan Sidebottom. “It’s something I have been thinking about for a period of time and, due to recent injuries in the England camp, the opportunity has arisen for me to play a role in this series,” Harmison said.

“I decided to retire for a number reasons, one being the amount of time I was spending away from my family. Now that my family is settled and my bowling is settled, I feel I have something to offer to the ODI side and am looking forward to playing a part against South Africa.

“Having missed out on selection at various times this year, I am well aware of the disappointment that comes from not being a part of the England dressing room.

“With that in mind, I want to be a part of the team and, if that means bringing myself out of retirement to play a role in this NatWest Series, then I’m happy to do just that.”