The Durham fast bowler, who claimed Test-best match figures of nine for 79 in the opening Test in Dhaka, was unable to take a full part in practice on Tuesday morning.

England believe the problem was caused by their lengthy journey to the southern city on Monday when their flight, which would normally take less than an hour, was delayed and took more than four hours.

Should Harmison fail to pass a fitness test either Somerset's Richard Johnson or Martin Saggers of Kent will replace him.

One of the two was in line to play anyway with England considering playing an extra seamer and leaving out spinner Ashley Giles.

The tourists are expected to name a 12-man squad later today (Tuesday) but are unlikely to reveal their starting line-up until Wednesday to allow Harmison extra time to recover.

Captain Michael Vaughan admits playing two Tests in such a short space of time in the Bangladesh heat is tough, especially for the bowlers.

"Back-to-back Test matches are always difficult but at least we got three days in between, which is a little bit of a bonus, and that's why we put all the hard work in three weeks before the first game," Vaughan said.

That hard work included regular gym sessions even after a day's play and warm-down periods in the pool designed to make England's players fitter and stronger and increase their stamina.

"We are hoping they won't have to bowl that amount of overs again because we want to bowl them out quicker this time," added the Yorkshire opener.

Bangladesh have added batsman Moniruzzaman to their squad as they search for a first victory in their 26th Test.

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