Harmison has suffered a number of injuries

He has suffered a torrid five years, plagued by back, knee and shin injuries that have held up his progress.

The 23-year-old made his county debut in 1996, but was struck down with a serious back injury that forced him to miss the whole of the next season.

Two years of relatively injury-free cricket gave him the opportunity to impress the England selectors, who rewarded him with a place on the A tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa in the 1998-99 winter.

But a knee problem forced him out of contention for the tour to Bangladesh and New Zealand a year later.

Harmison was then named in the A tour to the West Indies in 2000-1, but was forced to withdraw with sore shins.

But England captain Nasser Hussain and coach Duncan Fletcher have retained faith in the man they picked for the England squad for the first time in May 2000 for the Test against Zimbabwe.

Harmison could not force his way into the side, but has remained in England's thoughts as they search for an express bowler who can shake up opposition batsmen.

Jones was innjured during his England debut

Academy director Rod Marsh spoke highly of the young fast bowler, who was allowed home early to rest towards the end of a gruelling stint in Australia last winter.

So far this season Harmison has played five first-class matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 33 and has claimed a total of 196 career wickets at 31.54 in 63 matches.

Hussain has consistently spoken of his desire to find a fast bowler to take to Australia, and Harmison's elevation to the Test squad reflects England's determination to promote Academy players.

Harmison will probably only play at Trent Bridge if Alex Tudor fails a fitness test.

But, with Jones and Tudor also suffering injury problems, Harmison may have time to force his way into Ashes reckoning before the season ends.