 Harmison helped England regain the Ashes last summer |
England paceman Steve Harmison says he is unlikely to be fit for next month's first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. Harmison, who left the tour of India early because of pain in his right shin, visited a specialist in Nottingham earlier this week.
"Before I saw the specialist I was hopeful of playing at Lord's," Harmison told the Mail on Sunday newspaper.
"But my gut feeling is I'm not going to be fit. Professor Batts believes it is better to be cautious."
Harmison said he was now aiming to start running next week with a view to returning for the second Test at Edgbaston, which begins on 25 May.
The Durham fast bowler suffered the injury during the second Test against India in Mohali.
It was initially diagnosed as "bone stress" in his right shin and after he sat out the following game in Mumbai, the tour selectors decided it was best not to risk him in the one-day series.
England are also monitoring the fitness of skipper Michael Vaughan, spinner Ashley Giles and pace bowler Simon Jones.
All three have undergone surgery in recent weeks and have begun rehabilitation work, but Vaughan (knee) is taking things slowly and Giles (hip) appears very unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.
Jones is the closest to a return to action and has been bowling off a short run in the nets for Glamorgan.
MMIX
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