England's Harmison likely to miss first test v Sri Lanka

LONDON, Apr 15 (Reuters) England fast bowler Steve Harmison says he is unlikely to be fit for next month's first test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

The Durham paceman, who last month flew home from the tour of India because of pain in his right shin, visited a specialist in Nottingham earlier this week.

''Before I saw the specialist I was hopeful of playing at Lord's,'' Harmison was quoted as saying in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. ''But the way he was talking, my gut feeling is I'm not going to be fit.

''I thought he might let me start running again straight away, then if all went well I could play in the county championship match against Lancashire and be ready to play in the first test. But Professor Batts believes it is better to be cautious.'' The Lord's test starts on May 11.

Harmison said he was now aiming to start running next week with a view to returning for the second test at Edgbaston, Birmingham which begins on May 25.

REUTERS PDS BST0340