14 Jul 2009

Harmison recalled, series set to turn nasty

6:07 am on 14 July 2009

The Ashes cricket series is set to turn nasty following a bitter final day yesterday in the opening test in Cardiff.

Relations between the sides have soured significantly since England ground out a dramatic draw yesterday.

There are several running spats between players and the Australian captain Ricky Ponting accused England of not playing in the spirit of the game in the closing stages of the Cardiff test, directing his anger at time-wasting tactics when a 12th man and physiotherapist came on the ground late in the match for no apparent reason.

Meanwhile the England fast bowler Steve Harmison has been recalled to the home squad ahead of the second Ashes test at Lord's as Andrew Flintoff is in doubt after twisting his right knee during the Cardiff match.