A shin injury scuppered his progress later that year, but the Lancastrian has since recovered well.
With 16 wickets, Harrison has been Durham’s leading bowler in pre-season. He collected a five wicket haul against MCC and his brisk pace proved too much for three of the Durham University side on Wednesday.
“In Abu Dhabi (v MCC), I said that I was probably the worst bowler out of the lot of us.” Harrison told durhamccc.co.uk. “But coming back, I hit my rhythm pretty well, nice and straight and just felt strong at the crease which is always a plus point for this time of the year”
“It was good to get out on English soil and have a decent bowl in more realistic conditions, the lads really bowled well as a unit.”
Durham dominated the contest against their student opponents and whilst Harrison and his fellow bowlers shared the wickets, lots of the batsmen spent important time in the middle. Three players passed fifty and Paul Collingwood made a century on his return from England coaching duty.
“It’s always good to see Colly back in the changing room, he brings massive amounts of experience and it’s even better to see him get runs”
“Colly is a world class captain and he’s proven that over the years and I’m sure he can only strengthen us going into Sunday”
With all pre-season fixtures now completed, the players will travel to the East Midlands this weekend for the first LV=County Championship game against Northamptonshire.
“The lads have been in the gym now since October, so we’re champing at the bit now to defend our title and get on the pitch on Sunday.”
“I want to play as much first team cricket as I can in all three formats” Harrison added. “I never usually put a specific wicket tally, I just know that if I do everything I can on and off the pitch and bowl as well as I can and as hard as I can then I’ll take wickets hopefully.
“I want to establish myself as not just a newcomer to the team but a solid contributor consistently.”