Quietly does it for hyped-up Harmison

There will be real respect, though, for Harmison from the home camp come that First Test.

South Africa saw nothing like the best of him during the drawn 2003 series in England. But they did catch a glimpse of what he would become, late in the summer's final Test at The Oval.

Second innings figures of four for 33 were good, but the hostility and accuracy produced that day looked even better from a long-term perspective.

Harmison had not quite made it, though. He went home injured from the tour of Bangladesh last winter, prompting more questions to be asked about his fitness and commitment. The answer could not have been more emphatic. Harmison joined his beloved Newcastle United for six weeks of intensive training, went to the West Indies determined to be a real force in the Caribbean and, during one sensational morning in Jamaica, captured seven wickets for 12 runs.

A star was made and, to England's joy, he's been burning bright ever since.

"I possibly feel under a little bit more pressure after what has happened to me over the last 12 months," admits Harmison. "But I'm going to enjoy it and hopefully I can continue from where I left off in the summer."

He has been going about things the right way to try to make sure he does, even returning to Newcastle for training.

"I did exactly the same as last time and I feel very strong," he said.