Fletcher backs Harmison to recover

England coach Duncan Fletcher is confident there will be no lingering effects from Steve Harmison's recent one-day struggles.

Fast bowler Harmison was dropped for Saturday's win over West Indies having conceded 20 runs in his opening over against India and returned figures of 4.5-0-45-1 in defeat to Australia.

But Fletcher said: "He knows he bowls a lot better in the Test matches, we have got warm-up games in Australia, he goes into the tour a lot fitter for being here and it is now important he gets some overs in because he is a very dangerous bowler in Test cricket."

England depart for their Ashes defence on Friday and will need their attack spearhead, as well as captain Andrew Flintoff, fit and firing when they walk onto the Gabba on November 23.

But Fletcher said: "I'm confident both Flintoff and Harmison will be 100% ready for the first Test against Australia."

Flintoff got through his pre-planned five overs with no ill effects - his first bowl in international cricket since June 4 - to add to the feel-good factor at the end of an otherwise disappointing trip to the subcontinent.

England have erred on the side of caution since Flintoff returned from ankle surgery but his two spells provided extra control through the power plays and towards the death.

"I asked him 'how did you go?' and he said he felt very comfortable; I am sure he could have bowled more overs so that is very good news," said Fletcher.

"It is huge for us because we can balance the side better. As soon as he bowls 10 we can add another batter or even go in the same where we can use two spinners with four seamers. It gives us lots of options and that is important when you go into a major tournament like the World Cup."