Harmison set for further fitness tests tomorrow

SYDNEY, Nov 18 (Reuters) England want to wait until Sunday morning before deciding on whether Steve Harmison can play in the first Ashes test after the paceman completed a short net session tomorro.

Harmison threw a scare into the England camp when he pulled out of the tourists' final practice match against South Australia in Adelaide because of soreness on his left side.

The paceman has had injury problems before and was taken to hospital for scans and given a pain-killing injection before undergoing a fitness test today.

He spent more than 15 minutes bowling in the nets before the start of the second day's play, gradually building to near full speed.

England captain Andrew Flintoff said Harmison had pulled up well after his workout but would get a better indication of his fitness after he wakes up tomorrow morning.

''Injuries for fast bowlers are part and parcel of the job, so we just have to see what happens tomorrow morning,'' Flintoff told reporters.

''He's a key player for England, has been for a long time now in the test side.

''We still want Harmy fit, but we'll know more in the morning.'' Flintoff, who underwent ankle surgery this year, declared himself happy with his own fitness levels as he steadily increases his workload ahead of the test opener.

''In the first innings I bowled a little bit quicker than what I have done and I'm pleased with the way I'm progressing,'' he said.

''I've had no ill-effects from the ankle, everything's been fine, I'll bowl a few more overs tomorrow just to top up a little bit.'' REUTERS SAM RK1703