Back problem hampers Harmison

Durham have a new worry over Steve Harmison in his race to be fit for Saturday's Friends Provident Trophy final against Hampshire.

In his desperation to play at Lord's he had a gentle workout against Sri Lanka A last week, only three weeks after his hernia operation.

Coach Geoff Cook said: "He has got a bit of a stiff back and we're having it checked out. He won't take any part on Wednesday, but we still hope he can bowl on Thursday."

The England paceman stepped up his comeback in a Pro40 match at Canterbury on Sunday, after which the Durham players arrived home at 2.30am and began their four-day match against Surrey at Chester-le-Street eight-and-a-half hours later.

Harmison bowled seven overs on the first evening, taking one wicket, but looked out of sorts when he sent down two more overs on Tuesday morning.