Harmison makes England one-day return

11:05pm Thursday 21st August 2008

Steve Harmison has dramatically reversed his decision to retire from one-day international cricket and joined up with England's squad for the NatWest Series against South Africa.

The 29-year-old Durham fast bowler played the last of his 46 one-day internationals during the Champions Trophy in India two years ago and retired from ODI cricket following the 2006/7 Ashes series to spend more time from his family.

But after being asked to reconsider his decision by England's management - and new captain Kevin Pietersen in particular - Harmison has agreed to come out of retirement and has joined the squad for Friday's day-night international at Headingley.

"After recently being asked by the England management to reassess my retirement from international one-day cricket I've decided to join England's squad for the NatWest Series after careful consideration," said Harmison.

"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 will replace Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom, who has failed to recover from a niggling hip injury and has been ruled out of Friday's start of the five-match series.

England remain hopeful Sidebottom will be fit for the second match in the series at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, but for the time being they are welcoming the return of Harmison into their one-day ranks.

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