I know it’s a bit cheeky but I’d like to put Steve under the spot light. Naturally, Harmison’s super impressive 1st innings performance (6-19) in the most recent Test against Pakistan, caused his stocks to rise. Certainly in the eyes of the British tabloids. The Aussie’s had better watch out after all. Well, this Aussie for one, if not quaking in his boots. I will be far more worried if Simon Jones is on the plane come October. And if the English are allowed to use their Duke balls, rather than the good old Kookaburra.

Harmison has a history of stunning bowling performances. The list isn’t that long but here are his top five innings analysis: 7-12, 6-19, 6-46, 6-61, 5-35. There are some seriously high numbers in the wickets column and equally serious low numbers in the runs column. Harmison’s 7-12 against the West Indies in 2004 was stunning. It’s the best seven wicket innings analysis ever. When he followed it up with 6-61 in the next test, the English press announced to all and sundry that Harmison had arrived. Aussies beware. While he played his part in that successful Ashes series, and the wickets were fairly evenly shared, Harmison finished well behind Jones (21.00), Flintoff (27.29) and Hoggart (29.56) with an average of 32.29.

Harmison’s Test bowling average is 27.74. That’s respectable but does not put him up with the greats. The truth is that Harmison has always been hot and cold. When his rhythm is good and the pitch is helping he can do well. When all is working in his favour, he bends his back and can, and has, achieved stunning results. Now let’s look at Harmison’s average specifics. Against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it’s mid teens. Let’s take them out. Against all nations, except for the two minnows, the average is 30.14. Let’s take it a little further – it we are fair dinkum, we can realise that the West Indies have been an embarrassment during Harmison’s tenure, so let’s take them out too. The average is up to 33.55.

I appreciate that all bowlers get to play all of these teams, so when comparing career averages, you can’t remove certain criteria. However, averages in themselves mean something. Looking at a player’s career average versus his average against the best opposition is a very valid exercise. Harmison’s average against the four best teams: Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan (he has never played Sri Lanka) is 36.38. And that is ordinary.

So roll on The Ashes and let’s see if Steve Harmison can improve on his average of 36.83 against the Aussies.