Harmison out of county action

Steve Harmison has had a range of injury problems through the summer © Getty Images

Steve Harmison has been ruled out of Durham's final Championship fixture of the season, against Yorkshire, after medical advice over the back injury that forced him to miss the one-day series against Pakistan.

Harmison had been scheduled to return to action against at Headingley in next Wednesday's Division One clash. But after a review by the ECB medical staff he has been withdrawn in order to allow more time for further rehabilitation ahead of the Champions Trophy.

David Graveney, the England chairman of selectors, said: "Stephen's withdrawal from this match will allow for a more gradual progression in his recovery programme. He will continue to work with the Durham and England medical staff as well as ECB fast bowling coach Kevin Shine, and we anticipate that he will be fully fit for the Champions Trophy."

Harmison is one of the injury clouds hanging over the squads for the Champions Trophy and Ashes series, that were named on Monday, which also include Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Liam Plunkett and James Anderson.

On Wednesday England were given another moment of concern when Matthew Hoggard, who isn't traveling to India, pulled out of Yorkshire's match against Nottinghamshire which a side strain. England are due to leave for India on October 6.