Steve Harmison PA

Ashes 2009

STEVE HARMISON has vowed to win back his place in England's Ashes team - despite being snubbed for Wednesday’s first Test in Cardiff.

England plumped for the youthful Graham Onions with Harmison frozen out by skipper Andrew Strauss.

The 30-year-old shone against Australia for the England Lions at Worcester last week with touring captain Ricky Ponting claiming the paceman is still a force to be reckoned with at international level.

And Harmison says he is determined to bounce back from his latest setback by proving he is worth a gamble for the second Test at Lord’s on 16 July.

"I'm disappointed not to be at Cardiff but I hope to be involved at some point this summer," he said.

"In an ideal world I would like to see England do well at Cardiff. I think they'll go with four seamers at Lord's and I'll push for a place there.

"But Graham Onions is probably one of the best bowlers in the country at the minute and deserves his chance, so it's a big ask to leave him out to bring me back in.

"But people know that I've got the experience. I've played in the Ashes before and I've got good and bad memories.

"I wouldn't hide from the fact that I've had bad memories of playing against Australia, but I also did very well against them at Lord's last time.

"I'm going to go to Yorkshire with Durham and get some wickets so I can put my hand in the air and ask them to pick me."

Harmison also reckons England will go with two spinners at Cardiff with Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann both tipped to start against the Aussies.

He added: "I think you can make a few cases about why I've not been picked. I said during the week that I didn't think I would be included.

"I think everyone's made a big song and dance out of what the pitch is going to be like. I'm not sure it's going to be the turning wicket or the ridiculously high turning wicket that they're expecting.

"I'm sure it will turn and England will play the two spinners. I'm not surprised I wasn't selected but I'm just hoping that what I've done this week will help me force my way back in later in the series.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone for me so far this season. I wanted to go to Worcester to give the selectors a headache and I've done that and I'm not surprised I wasn't included.

"I want to play but England have to give a chance to the players who have done well for them."

Ashes 2009