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HARMISON TO FOCUS ON TESTS, DIY
The world of cricket was left stunned today following the shock announcement that England fast bowler Steve Harmison is to retire from One Day International cricket.
Harmison leaves the 50 over game at the peak of his talents. As the tributes flooded in, cricket fans across the globe reflected on the huge impact of the tall Geordie.
"It was the enthusiasm he brought to the job," said Durham Head Coach Martyn Moxon. "If England were up against it you could rely on Harmy to stand up and be counted, and always with a smile on his face."
"He was a one off," said Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq. "The lift he got from his stock long hop meant you could carve it over backward point for six."
"Who will ever forget his brilliant 0-90 against us," added Maheta Jayawardene of Sri Lanka, one of many top class international batsmen who often found himself on the receiving end of one of Harmison's enigmatic spells. "You never knew whether it would be a long hop outside off stump, or whether it would be overpitched. The guy had so much variation. Part of the fun was adapting and hitting it into different stands."
"I feel that by giving up One Day Internationals I'll be able to spend far more time at ho.. er, extend my test career by several years," said Harmison.
It is thought that Lancashire's Saj Mahmood is the man most likely to fill Harmison's boots in the arena as England's search for another wayward and mercurial fast bowler widens.
In other news, Aussie twirler Shane Warne has announced his retirement. "I meant to retire before the Ashes, but due to a clerical error I never told anyone, so I've decided to go AFTER the Ashes. Sorry for any inconvenience."
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