Durham's hopes of lifting the Friends Provident Trophy have received a huge blow, with the news that Steve Harmison will miss the final - and he is likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the season.

Harmison returned from a hernia operation sooner than expected and this latest set back is an unrelated injury.

After feeling discomfort while bowling during Durham's current county championship game with Surrey at Riverside, Harmison has had two scans, which have identified internal bleeding in his back which is thought to be related to a muscle injury.

Head coach Geoff Cook said, "Everyone is devastated for him.

"He has worked so hard to come back from his operation and was looking forward to playing at Lord's.

"This is a cruel blow for him but when one door closes another one opens and this is a real opportunity for another one of our talented squad."

Harmison said: "The severity of the injury has surprised everyone and the timing couldn't be worse.

"Having played for Durham through the lean years I was looking forward to making my mark in Durham's first ever final and I'm heartbroken I won't be playing.

"However, we have a strong squad and whoever steps up to take my place will be a quality player.

"It doesn't matter which eleven players we put out at Lord's we have a good chance of bringing the trophy back to Durham and I'll be in London with the team to give them any help they need"