STEVE Harmison was denied the chance of further match practice after vandals slashed the covers at the Durham University ground.

After the second day was washed out it was expected that play could have begun on time on the third and final day, but the damage to the covers had resulted in a very large damp patch on the area where most balls would land.

The match was abandoned, which meant that Harmison had bowled only the five overs he managed on the first evening on his comeback from a back injury.