STEVE Harmison was told last night that he can take over Darren Gough's mantle as England's premier fast bowler for the next decade.

Harmison's glowing appraisal came from Academy director Rod Marsh, who cast an admiring eye over the Durham paceman's Test debut against India last month.

With Gough struggling to overcome a debilitating knee injury, Harmison is in line for a place in the England squad for this winter's Ashes series.

He could add to his present tally of one Test cap when England try to wrap up the current series against India in the fourth Test, which begins at The Oval tomorrow.

And former Australia wicketkeeper Marsh believes that with 30-somethings Gough and Andy Caddick nearing the end of their international careers, 23-year-old Harmison will soon become an indispensible member of the England set-up.

Marsh said: "Steve made a very good impression during his time with the Academy in Adelaide last winter and I'm very pleased with how he's done since then.

"To be honest, I hadn't seen him bowl or even met him until last October. But he's got a lot of natural ability and good pace, and he's got a bright future in front of him.

"The best ten years of a fast bowler's life are between the ages of 25 and 35, and obviously Steve hasn't even reached 25 yet.

"What he achieves is up to him; it depends on how hard he's prepared to work. He knows what he has to do if he wants to represent his country for ten years."

Harmison finished the second Test at Trent Bridge with impressive figures of five for 120, having claimed the prized scalp of India captain Saurav Ganguly in the second innings as England pressed for victory.

His omission from the England team for the third Test, which India won by an innings, was condemned by Ian Botham after the tourists amassed 628 for eight declared on a Headingley pitch that offered assistance to seam bowlers.

Harmison is now hoping to earn a recall at The Oval and Marsh added: "The fact that he did well on his debut shows he can handle the pressure of playing for his country.

"He's played enough cricket to know that, if he bowls well, he'll take wickets, even if he's bowling on a pitch that isn't particularly quick.

"Obviously we don't know yet whether he'll be going on the Ashes tour. But I'd be more than happy to have him at the Academy again."

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