Sporting legends : Steve Harmison - The hostile fast bowler of England- Career HLs & videos

 

Steve Harmison born on October 23 1978 ,  was one of England’s most feared fast bowlers in the early 2000s. Known for his raw pace, steep bounce, and intimidating presence, Harmison played a pivotal role in some of England's most memorable cricketing victories, particularly during the famed 2005 Ashes series. He could generate express pace and hit the deck hard, making him a difficult proposition for any batsman. Though his career saw both highs and lows, at his peak, Harmison was regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.

Style of Play

Harmison’s style of play was defined by his aggressive pace bowling. Standing at over 6 feet 4 inches, he generated awkward bounce from the pitch, often troubling batsmen with short-pitched deliveries. He was able to bowl at speeds exceeding 90 mph, making him one of the quickest bowlers in his era. His bowling was marked by:

Raw Pace and Bounce: Harmison's height allowed him to extract extra bounce, even on docile pitches. His bouncers were particularly lethal.

Aggression: He bowled with an aggressive mindset, often unsettling batsmen with sharp bouncers and deliveries aimed at their bodies.

Occasional Inconsistency: Harmison had moments of brilliance but was also known for inconsistency, sometimes struggling with accuracy, especially during overseas tours.

Career Highlights

Test Career

Steve Harmison made his Test debut for England on August 20, 2002, against India. He played 63 Test matches, taking 226 wickets at an average of 31.82. Harmison's career was highlighted by several brilliant spells, especially during England's dominant performances in the mid-2000s.

The 2004 West Indies Tour:

Harmison’s most famous spell came in March 2004, when he bowled a devastating 7/12 against the West Indies in Jamaica. His spell was one of the finest displays of fast bowling, where he ripped through the West Indian batting lineup, skittling them for just 47 runs. His performance was instrumental in England’s dominance during the series, where they won the Test series 3-0, their first series win in the Caribbean since 1968.

The 2005 Ashes:

Harmison was a key figure in England's historic Ashes victory in 2005, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test series ever. He set the tone early in the series with a brutal opening spell at Lord's, where he hit Australia’s captain, Ricky Ponting, on the helmet. Harmison finished the series with 17 wickets, playing a crucial role in England's 2-1 series win.

2006 ICC Test Rankings:

At the height of his career, Harmison reached the No.1 ranking in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers in 2004.

ODI Career

Harmison made his ODI debut in 2002 and played 58 One-Day Internationals for England, taking 76 wickets at an average of 32.64. While he was never as dominant in the ODI format as he was in Tests, he had notable contributions:

Best ODI Figures: His best ODI bowling figures came in 2004 against India, where he took 4/22, helping England secure a comfortable victory.

2004 ICC Champions Trophy: Harmison played a key role in helping England reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker for England in the tournament.

First-Class Career

Steve Harmison had a prolific first-class career, representing Durham County Cricket Club for the majority of his career. He played 228 first-class matches, taking 798 wickets at an average of 28.68. His performances for Durham were key in their success, especially when the club won the County Championship in 2008 and 2009.

Some Great Bowling Spells

7/12 vs West Indies, Jamaica, 2004: Widely regarded as his career-defining performance, Harmison demolished the West Indies in a devastating spell of fast bowling that remains one of the best in Test history.

5/43 vs Australia, Lord’s, 2005 Ashes: Harmison’s hostile spell on the first morning of the 2005 Ashes, where he roughed up the Australian batsmen, including hitting Ricky Ponting on the helmet, is etched in Ashes history.

6/19 vs Pakistan, Old Trafford, 2006: Harmison produced another exceptional spell against Pakistan in 2006, taking six wickets as England bowled Pakistan out for just 119 runs.

Legacy

Steve Harmison's legacy is tied to his role in England's Ashes triumph and his devastating bowling spells, particularly during the 2004-2005 period when he was considered one of the world's best fast bowlers. His bowling in the 2005 Ashes series helped reinvigorate English cricket and remains one of the high points in the country’s sporting history.

Though he struggled with consistency, especially in the latter part of his career, Harmison's impact on England’s bowling attack during his peak years was undeniable. His ability to generate intimidating bounce and pace made him a key figure in English cricket during the early 2000s. After retiring, Harmison has been involved in cricket commentary and punditry, offering his insights into the game. His spell in Jamaica and his role in the 2005 Ashes will forever be remembered as some of the greatest moments in English cricket history.

Watch Harmison's hostile 7/12 vs West Indies in Jamaica in 2004 test below