Harris: I may have to leave Glamorgan

By Richard Thomas

James Harris has conceded he may have to leave Glamorgan to realise his ambitions of playing Test cricket for England. The 22-year-old, who has yet to make the step-up from England Lions level, is believed to be wanted by the likes of Division One counties including Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire and Somerset.

The likes of James Taylor moved from the second division to the top flight at the end of last season – in his case Leicestershire to Nottinghamshire – and it has paid off for Taylor with Test selection this summer.

And Harris enhanced his growing reputation with a six-wicket haul for the Lions against Australia A at Edgbaston earlier in August, watched by England selectors Geoff Miller and James Whitaker.

The downside of that is that he has only taken eight wickets to date from 101 overs for Glamorgan having missed the first month of the season due to a double hernia operation in February. Harris is under contract with the Welsh county until 2013 but has a clause allowing him to leave if Glamorgan are not in the top flight.

"There may be a day sometime where I have to make a very tough choice where I have to look at my career," he said. "I have to decide what is the best option, but Glamorgan is in my heart and I would love to stay and see Glamorgan being successful."

Glamorgan’s management are currently in discussions with Harris in order to keep him at the county where he is in his sixth season after making his first-class debut aged 16. He reached the 100 and 200-wickets milestones quicker than any bowler in the Welsh county's history.

Alan Hamer, the Glamorgan chief executive, is hoping the matter will be resolved by the end of the month. “Discussions are continuing with James and the club is keen for him to extend his contract,” said Hamer. “Those talks are expected to be concluded within the next couple of weeks.”

 

Date: 24/08/2012 20:49:33 by Richard Thomas
In: Today | Glamorgan |