Glamorgan backs James Harris to spearhead bowling attack

GLAMORGAN have backed James Harris to continue to spearhead their bowling attack this season following the 20-year-old's match-winning performance against Gloucestershire.

In his first game for the county following his exploits for England Lions in the Caribbean over the winter, Harris claimed an eight- wicket haul to help his side to a comprehensive 189-run victory over the West Countrymen at the Swalec Stadium.
The display was all the more impressive considering fellow new-ball bowler Graham Wagg only managed one over throughout the match because of a hamstring strain, while Jim Allenby struggled to bowl in the second innings with a leg problem.
Tests

Glamorgan were today giving Wagg, Allenby and off-spinner Robert Croft — who sat out the Gloucestershire match because of a hamstring twinge — fitness tests to decide whether the trio will be available for the next LV= County Championship assignment against Surrey, which starts in Cardiff tomorrow.
On the plus side, Huw Waters has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the Gloucestershire win, while left-armer Adam Shantry put his hand up for an extended run in the side with a six-wicket haul.
But it was Harris who earned most of the post- match plaudits.
"James was outstanding, he has got all the skills," said head coach Matthew Mott. "He bowls at the stumps and is always asking questions of batters.
"His seam control is outstanding and he has got all the attributes. He showed he has the tools by knocking guys over with genuine balls on a flat wicket. He is the leader of the attack at 20. He is fit and strong and has a bright future.
Impressed
"We missed some bowlers through injury in this game and that is what you want from your premier fast bowler.
"Only he can now say how far he can go. I was speaking to Kevin Shine the Lions coach the other day, who was very impressed with him on the West Indies tour.
"If he continues to take the amount of wickets he is taking he will be looked at positively in the future."
After bouncing back from the disappointment of an opening loss to Leicestershire at Grace Road, Glamorgan welcome a Surrey side that will include former middle-order batsman Tom Maynard.
Maynard left the Swalec Stadium in acrimonious circumstances during the winter following the exit of his father, former director of cricket Matthew Maynard.
Maynard hit 32 and 40 in his first appearance for the Brown Caps in the draw with Northamptonshire at The Oval last time out, and will no doubt be keen to prove a few points to his old team-mates in Cardiff this week.
As for Glamorgan, their own top order still have work to do following their first innings collapse on the opening morning against Gloucestershire.
"We would like to improve our batting and from here on in, dig deep and put a few big scores out there," added Mott.