Last Updated: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:56
Steve Harmison has admitted he is "desperate" to play for England again after being overlooked for the pre-Ashes training squad.
Harmison was omitted on Monday from the 16-man squad ahead of the forthcoming series but was in good form for the England Lions in the warm-up match at Worcester against the Aussies as he took three wickets for 67 from 22 overs.
The paceman says he is ready to step up if the call comes later in the summer but conceded the selectors were probably right not to pick him with plenty of bowlers in good form.
"If the chance came, I would jump at the chance. I'd love to play. I'm desperate to play for England," he said.
"I couldn't be disappointed about not being in the 16-man performance squad because the way England have bowled in recent Tests. I didn't fit in.
"Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan have bowled well, been the pick-out bowlers at the start of the summer, Ryan Sidebottom is fit, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad are bowling well enough and Freddie (Flintoff) is back fit.
"But I want to play for England - and the day I stop wanting to play for England is the day I tell them that I've had enough."
Harmison hopes his impressive display on the opening day for the Lions will give the selectors food for thought.
"They've seen I want to play and can cause Australia problems. It is up to them whether they want to pick me or not," he added.