Harmison ruled out of first Test
England pacer Stephen Harmison, who is suffering from hernia, could miss the entire three-Test series against India.
Injured England fast bowler Stephen Harmison was on Tuesday ruled out of the first cricket Test against India starting at the Lord's on Thursday and could miss the entire three-Test series.
Harmison, who is suffering from hernia, has been replaced by Hampshire bowler Chris Tremlett in the home side's 13-member squad.
The Durham pacer was re-examined at Horsham where his county side played Sussex on Monday. Harmison is now expected to go under the knife which would rule him out of the entire series.
A decision on whether Harmison would need surgery would be taken after the player sees a specialist on Wednesday.
England Chairman of selectors David Graveney said Tremlett was included as a precautionary measure.
"We have taken the precaution of adding Chris Tremlett to the squad following confirmation this morning that Stephen Harmison will not be available."
"Chris performed well in the recent England Lions tour match against India. He gives us additional options," he said.
Harmison, who sustained the injury during the fourth Test against West Indies a month ago, hoped to play in all three Tests against India and Durham's Friends Provident Trophy final clash with Hampshire at Lord's on August 18 before having a surgery.
But, he broke down on Friday in the Sussex match.