By Jon Steer
March 15 2004

Steve Harmison took a career best 7-12 as he almost single-handedly destroyed the West Indies batting line-up. The home team were all out for 47 and England took only 17 balls to reach their target of 20 for victory. With the sun shining and the West Indian openers at the crease Michael Vaughan admitted that he thought England were in for a tough day... That was before Durham's own Steve Harmison had his say.

Harmison struck first in his third over when the usually fluent Gayle was caught at slip by Thorpe with the score on just 13. Harmison then had Sarwan trapped lbw and Chanderpaul bowled, both without scoring. With the score at just 16, Matthew Hoggard got in on the action when he had Brian Lara caught at slip, again without scoring.

Harmison almost linked up with Colly to remove Jacobs but Colly let a difficult chance go despite getting two hands to it. Paul was on the field as sub for Mark Butcher. Harmison responded by taking the wickets of Jacobs and Best in his next over to give him five for the innings so far.

Jones joined in the fun with the wicket of Hinds before Harmison had Sanford and Edwards caught behind to finish the innings - not surprising as he had eight slips at the time!!

England made quick work of the miniscule target, reaching 20 in just 17 balls.

After the match Harmison put his success down to watching the West Indian quick bowlers the previous day. He adjusted his length to be slightly fuller than his natural length that he had stuck to on the first day but even he admitted to being very surprised at the results!

Durham supporters at home must be wondering what Steve can do to a county side if he can take 7-12 against the West Indies with some of the best batsmen in the world!