STEVE HARMISON last night told Andrew Strauss: I am not finished yet.
Pace ace Harmy was rocked after being left out of England's winter tour to South Africa.
Even more so as he had played a part in regaining just three months ago The Ashes.
Skipper Strauss and coach Andy Flower hurt the snub from England.
Many predicted Harmison would never be seen on the international stage again, as Durham pals and pace rivals Graham Onions and Liam Plunkett got the nod.
But after penning a new four year deal worth around £600,000 at the Riverside, he is raring to go and would love the opportunity to let rip at the Aussies again in the Ashes series Down Under at the end of next year.
Harmy, 31, said: "England are going through an exciting time. They are going with a group of young fast bowlers to South Africa, which will be helpful for them. I really hope they do well.
"I love playing for England though and if the call came I would love to play again. People ask me if I am going to retire, but why should I retire?
"South Africa will be tough. There will be hard days coming up for England and they have to stick with the policy if that is how they are going forward.
"But I have 226 wickets from 60-odd Tests, so I feel my point has been proven. My record stands up with most.
"I will go out like I did this year and last to try and take some wickets for Durham. And if that sees my name put in the hat to play for England again, and I can be of service, I will be glad to do that.
"I would have been fine to play this winter. The problem is the games that take place between now and Australia.
"If I knew it wasn't possible for me to go to Australia, I would come out and retire for the sake of everybody. That Ashes series is a long way away. But if I feel I can give something, I will make my feelings clear then."
England have a highly congested schedule before locking horns with the Aussies again.
Harmy added: "First is South Africa, then Bangladesh, then they come back and play the summer and then it is straight into The Ashes.
"England are going to need a few more fast bowlers. That is why people in England have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the young kids."
Pace ace Harmy was rocked after being left out of England's winter tour to South Africa.
Even more so as he had played a part in regaining just three months ago The Ashes.
Skipper Strauss and coach Andy Flower hurt the snub from England.
Many predicted Harmison would never be seen on the international stage again, as Durham pals and pace rivals Graham Onions and Liam Plunkett got the nod.
But after penning a new four year deal worth around £600,000 at the Riverside, he is raring to go and would love the opportunity to let rip at the Aussies again in the Ashes series Down Under at the end of next year.
Harmy, 31, said: "England are going through an exciting time. They are going with a group of young fast bowlers to South Africa, which will be helpful for them. I really hope they do well.
"I love playing for England though and if the call came I would love to play again. People ask me if I am going to retire, but why should I retire?
"South Africa will be tough. There will be hard days coming up for England and they have to stick with the policy if that is how they are going forward.
"But I have 226 wickets from 60-odd Tests, so I feel my point has been proven. My record stands up with most.
"I will go out like I did this year and last to try and take some wickets for Durham. And if that sees my name put in the hat to play for England again, and I can be of service, I will be glad to do that.
"I would have been fine to play this winter. The problem is the games that take place between now and Australia.
"If I knew it wasn't possible for me to go to Australia, I would come out and retire for the sake of everybody. That Ashes series is a long way away. But if I feel I can give something, I will make my feelings clear then."
England have a highly congested schedule before locking horns with the Aussies again.
Harmy added: "First is South Africa, then Bangladesh, then they come back and play the summer and then it is straight into The Ashes.
"England are going to need a few more fast bowlers. That is why people in England have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the young kids."
