England bowler Steve Harmison has denied claims that money was the main reason behind his return to the England one-day international team.
Some have suggested that Harmison opted to return to the fold for financial reasons with the money-spinning Stanford Series due to start in October, but Harmison was quick to deny the accusations. "Everyone is talking about it saying 'he has come back for the money', but I have come back for cricketing reasons," he said.
The bowler reversed his decision to retire from the England one-day side last Thursday and marked his return to the side by taking two wickets in the first ODI at Headingley. He then went on to pick up two more wickets in England's 10-wicket win in the second game of the series at Trent Bridge.
"It was an interesting three or four days leading up to the series," he said. "I never thought I'd be anywhere near the games. I thought I'd be in Basingstoke.
"I got a phone call saying Ryan Sidebottom was injured and they needed somebody, so I said why not? I'd never let them down. It's not up to me if I play in the Stanford series. I made my feelings clear to the coach and captain."
Harmison cited family issues among the reasons for originally deciding to retire in 2006 and the 29-year-old revealed he had consulted them before deciding to make himself available for the side. "I only agreed to come back after speaking to my wife and children. They were the first people I spoke to.
"Things have got a bit more stable with the family issues now. There probably have been 10, 12 or 15 players that have been in the same boat and they haven't been as honest as I have been about it."
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