Harmison and Anderson battle for one place

Steve Harmison and James Anderson during practice in Kandy © Getty Images

Steve Harmison, who was thought unlikely to be fit in time for Saturday's opening Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy, is back in contention after a successful net session on Thursday.

Even though a scan on his troublesome back on Tuesday showed up clear, it was widely believed that the selectors would not risk Harmison, although they did say that he had been given 48 hours to prove himself.

But he appeared to be bowling flat out in the nets and certainly troubled a few of the batsmen with his steepling bounce.

The other injury worry - James Anderson, who damaged his ankle on Sunday - also came through the session unscathed. It now appears to be a battle between Harmison and Anderson for the remaining bowling slot, with Matthew Hoggard, Ryan Sidebottom and Monty Panesar certain to feature in the playing XI.

"I can't get rid of an injury without another one cropping up," Harmison admitted earlier this week. "I need to spend some time on the park, and if I do that and bowl properly, I feel I'm as good as anyone in England. When I'm not bowling that well, and coming back [from injury] all the time, then there are better bowlers than me."

Harmison reported a back spasm after bowling the third ball of his 11th over of the warm-up match during the weekend and did not bat or retake the field. England have been optimistic throughout that he has shown signs of improvement, but his lack of match practice could yet tell against him. He has bowled 16.3 overs in two practice matches since arriving from South Africa last week.