Harmison puts England first
Guyana Chronicle
April 9, 2004

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STEVE Harmison insists a whitewash over West Indies remains his top priority despite being in sight of an enviable bowling record.

The in-form England paceman needs to take six wickets in the final Test in Antigua to break the England record for a series in the Caribbean.

It is jointly held at 27 by Angus Fraser and John Snow.

Harmison said: "It would be nice to break the record but first and foremost I would like to win 4-0."

He added: "I am aware of the record but it's not something I've really set my heart on.

"England are 3-0 up in and we would like to win 4-0 and that is the first thing on our mind.

"I think we have a really good chance of doing that if you look at the way we have played in the last three Tests.

"If we can carry that into this Test then I don't see why we can't win."

Harmison has arguably been England's best performer in their first series win in the Caribbean since 1968.

His 22 wickets have come at an average of just 11.3 runs each - a run of form that has seen the Durham paceman shoot to third in the world rankings.

Even if he fails to break the record, Harmison will have cause to claim a moral victory.

Both Fraser (1998-99) and Snow (1967-68) amassed their hauls in five-Test series. (BBC Sport)