FAST bowler Steve Harmison is used to speedy deliveries, but a delivery of a different kind has put his return to the cricket pitch on hold.

The Durham and England star was due to turn out for the county yesterday in the Championship clash at the Riverside against Middlesex.

However, the arrival of the Ashes ace's third child means his comeback from a shin injury has had to be postponed.

Harmison's wife, Hayley, went into labour before the match and gave birth to a baby girl - the couple's third after Emily Alice and Abbie Meg - at 10.46am. She has been named Isabel Grace and weighed in at 8lbs 9oz.

"Everyone is fine," said the player's agent, former Lancashire and England batsman Neil Fairbrother. "Steve is delighted."

While it was good news for the 27-year-old and his family, it meant disappointment for those who had turned up to see him in action.

A Durham County Cricket Club spokeswoman said an announcement had been made to supporters, adding: "We have all been thinking about them today, it's an exciting time for them."

Durham coach Martyn Moxon said things were looking positive for Harmison on the playing front.

He said: "He's been bowling over the last week or so and just building up to playing in a game. The good news is he's had no reaction so far."

Harmison is aiming to prove his fitness ahead of the second npower Test against Sri Lanka on May 25.

He still has a couple of opportunities to do so before the England squad is announced as Durham have a C&G Trophy tie against Lancashire on Sunday and a Championship fixture against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on May 17.

Harmison has placed great importance on family life.

Last year, he said: "I cannot see myself playing for England when I am in my mid-30s. I have kids that need me around and they will dictate the decisions I make in my career. My international career will finish when my family needs me to be around a bit more."