KP backs wayward Harmison

2007-05-21 10:54

London - England century-maker Kevin Pietersen insisted the hosts had no qualms about misfiring fast bowler Stephen Harmison leading their victory charge on the final day of the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's.

West Indies head into Monday's fifth day needing a further 394 runs to reach their victory target of 401 with all 10 wickets standing.

Their task has been made easier as England's four-man attack is set to be a man light with swing specialist Matthew Hoggard "unlikely to bowl", according to a team spokesperson, after leaving the field on Saturday with a thigh injury and not taking any part at all on the fourth day.

That has left Harmison, England's fastest bowler, with greater responsibility. But a first innings haul of 1-117 in the Durham quick's first international since the Ashes didn't inspire confidence.

And nor did the sight of Harmison and county colleague Liam Plunkett both bowling huge wides in the two overs of West Indies' second innings possible before stumps on Sunday.

But Pietersen, whose dashing 109 was the centrepiece of England's second innings 284 for eight declared that set up their push for a win, said Harmison would come good.

"We're not concerned with Steve at all," South Africa-born shotmaker Pietersen told reporters after scoring his seventh hundred in his 24 Tests.

"We just know he's going to click. He's bowled so well for Durham at the start of the season, he's been brilliant. I don't know whether it was the slope or what it is here at Lord's, but when he gets it right he's a handful. The sky is the limit for that bloke - he could be the best bowler in the world."

That England had a first innings lead of 116 was down to left-arm spinner Monty Panesar's haul of 6-129 in 36.1 overs.

"Monty just comes in and does his job," said an admiring Pietersen. "He gets everyone going and excited.

"He could be the key on the fifth day, but we've got a lot of firepower in Plunkett and Harmison which we haven't seen properly yet this Test."

Looking at the match situation, Pietersen added: "I know that if I was in the West Indies camp right now I'd be a bit nervous.

"If we dig a trench on a good length and build some pressure there is no reason why we can't take 10 wickets tomorrow (Monday)."

Pietersen, having missed out in England's first innings 553 for five declared when four other batsmen including debutant wicketkeeper Matt Prior all scored centuries, said patience had been the key to his hundred.

"I knew I needed to build an innings. I was in one-day mode in the first innings and I went away after that and worked very hard in the nets with (England coach) Peter Moores.

"I tried to get as much patience back in my game as I possibly could."

Pietersen was involved in some verbal exchanges with West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle. But the friendly pat on the back he received from Gayle after the part-time off-spinner had him lbw suggested nothing malicious.

"Chris and I are really good friends. We played in the World Series together and we talk to each other every week. It was just friendly banter."

Shortly before stumps Gayle was struck a painful blow in the groin when he missed a Harmison delivery and Pietersen said: "It was particularly pleasing to see him get one this evening... it did make me giggle.

"I'll be on the phone tonight to advise him on how he should have played it.

"It just gets me concentrating, gets me going," explained Pietersen of his verbal jousts with opposition bowlers. "It might look silly on occasions, but that is just a way of me keeping myself tuned in.

"I'm no Einstein, so it helps me relax as well - so that I can be tuned in again when the bowler gets back to his mark."

- AFP