The Harm is on!

With a depleted England bowling attack, exacerbated by the decision to replace an all-rounder with a batsman, England were looking for their main strike bowler to deliver. Stephen James Harmison did not disappoint. He took 5 for 57 as he and Panesar stole the show.

Like most England fans I had a sleepless night after watching Harmison leave the field late on the second day with a shoulder strain. If he was unavailable, England's seam attack would have comprised of the ineffective Hoggard and Mahmood, who failed to take a wicket between them in the entire match. Fortunately this fear was groundless and Harmison made the breakthrough early in the morning by removing the hapless Akmal who had just endured a day and a half keeping wicket in the hot sun. Pakistan then crumbled to the juxtaposition of Harmison's hostile pace and Monty's subtle spin. Their combined match figures were an impressive 55.5-17-169-19. I expect we will see them bowling regularly in tandem in the future.

Teams often respond better to criticism following an innings victory than they do after a defeat and questions need to be asked of England's other bowlers. Hoggard has been England's most consistent bowler since the ashes and he was perhaps a little unlucky. Mahmood on the other hand was a great disappointment on his home ground and the third seamer's position remains open to the first bowler who can seize the chance.