LONDON, Aug 19 - Strike bowler Steve Harmison
defended his form on Saturday as England battled to save the
fourth and final test against Pakistan.
Harmison, questioned about his lack of impact on the second
day of the match, said: "Things didn't go for me yesterday. I
just didn't feel right. I don't know what it was, I just didn't
feel right at all.
"My body didn't feel right, my rhythm didn't feel right, the
way the ball came out of my hand didn't feel right.
"I just felt a bit better today. I can't put my finger on
it. It doesn't frustrate me, not one bit. It'll worry me if they
stop picking me but while they're still picking me it won't be a
worry.
"I feel I came back well today. Everybody has an off-day. I
think the whole team has had an off test match."
Harmison re-discovered some line and length on Saturday's
third day to finish with four for 125, although three of his
victims were lower-order batsmen.
Pakistan, seeking a face-saving win after losing the second
and third tests, scored 504 to secure a 331-run first-innings
lead before England closed on 78 for one in their second
innings, still 253 behind.
"I feel that I contribute to the team, I feel I do a good
enough job," Harmison added at a news conference. "I've taken 20
wickets in the series, in four test matches -- is that a worry?
I don't think so. "
He did concede that his back and side area had felt sore
during the game but said he was not going to start making
excuses.