In Harm’s way

10:41am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Yorkshire batsman Andrew Gale is looking forward to testing himself against England pace exile Steve Harmison in today's LV County Championship division one clash away to Durham.

The left-hander scored 68 against the former world number one bowler when they met in the Friends Provident Trophy at Headingley ten days ago.

He notched 50 off only 42 balls, pulling and cutting Harmison with particular ferocity, before edging him into the slips to the waiting Gareth Breese.

"I faced him last Monday, and I came out on top then. Hopefully I can do it again," said the 24-year-old, who has started 2008 at a rollicking pace.

"He bowled a little bit short at me then, and I am sure he will admit he is still lacking that little bit of rhythm. But the pace was okay. He will only get better."

Gale took the positives out of Sunday's shock Friends Provident Trophy defeat to Lancashire, after the hosts bounced back from the dead at 76-5 to chase an unlikely 214 inside 45 overs at Old Trafford.

"It was disappointing, and we were a bit unfortunate in the end," he said. "But I know Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough were quite pleased with some of the cricket we played in that game.

"We didn't start too well, but came back strong to get ourselves into a very strong position. We need to make sure that we bounce back this week."

Gale added: "It's going to be a big game. Durham are always strong.

"They haven't started that well, but are always a threat with players like Steve Harmison, Michael Di Venuto and Phil Mustard."

Yorkshire have had a healthy beginning to the new campaign in both forms of the game. They are third in the Championship after just two games - the two teams above them have played three.

And, despite their defeat to Lancashire, they are still favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy.

Yorkshire could still have England bowler Matthew Hoggard available to play some part against Durham if he is not selected in the final Test match 11 to face New Zealand at Lord's tomorrow.

The ECB allow any player released from England duty to return to a county game at any stage in place of a pre-nominated player.

Gale said that could be 19-year-old Ben Sanderson.

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