Harmison dropped for final Test

Dec 19 2008

England have dropped Steve Harmison for the final Test against India as they attempt to bounce back from defeat in Chennai to level the series.

The 30-year-old Durham fast bowler, who only recently regained his place in England's Test side, paid the price this morning for his lack lustre display in the previous Test as India chased down a victory target of 387.

Harmison was given only six overs on the final day by captain Kevin Pietersen and has been dropped for the second time this year to allow the return of Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad.

It means the tourists enter the Test with two spinners once again after they decided to keep faith with off-spinner Graeme Swann alongside left-arm spinner Monty Panesar.

Broad, overlooked for Chennai after sustaining a hamstring problem during the one-day series, bowled every day during the intervals of the previous Test and proved his fitness during yesterday's practice session.

But Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell retains his place and plays his 31st consecutive match despite competition from Owais Shah.