Harmison's Ashes fear

Steve Harmison admitted today that unless he showed an improvement in form, he may not be an automatic pick for the Ashes series.

The 26-year-old, who struggled on the winter tour of South Africa, said: "The way I'm bowling I may not be in the team to face Australia.

"I'll be looking to be in the team, though, as it is the be-all and end-all of what I am looking for this summer. The Ashes is bigger than the World Cup. Against Australia, we can't afford to carry anybody."

Harmison was ranked as one of the world's top fast bowlers during last summer but he took just nine wickets in South Africa.

However, Steve Rixon, Surrey's Australian coach, has backed him to come good in the Ashes. He said: "He will be a serious threat and a major player in the series."