It was an ugly five-wicket bag but probably enough for Stephen Harmison to get the nod for the first test.
The hostile England fast bowler has been struggling with his rhythm but took five for 100 to help bowl the New Zealand Invitational XI out for 271 on day two of the three-day first-class match at the University Oval yesterday.
After slumping to 131 all out in its first innings, England made a better fist of its second dig, reaching 155 for three at stumps.
While Harmison was far from his best, the big fast bowler got 22 much-needed overs under his belt and is building for the threetest series beginning in Hamilton on March 5.
‘‘I feel as though I'm getting better and to get a five-wicket haul is great, so I'm happy,'' Harmison said.
But despite getting the rewards Harmison admitted to some disappointment with his inconsistency. ‘‘I'm as frustrated as anyone. But it is just the way I am . . . and it's not for the want of trying.
‘‘All I can ever do and all I've ever done is try my best.''
Harmison nicked Ross Taylor out on Thursday evening after the batsman went hard at a full delivery and got the first breakthrough yesterday morning when he strangled Grant Elliott down the legside.
Neither ball had wicket written on it when it left the bowler's hand but the next did, and Mark Orchard was the unlucky recipient.
Orchard shouldered arms to a delivery which nipped back from outside off and clattered into the stumps. Bevan Griggs and Jeetan Patel, both enticed into drives and caught by the wicketkeeper, completed the set for Harmison.
Harmison might not be in great nick but he is a proven performer and a lack of genuine competition should see him start in the first test. Chris Tremlett is in a similar mold in that he has broad shoulders and all the physical attributes to bowl fast.
But the gentle giant might need someone to sprinkle glass on his cornflakes to bowl with the same venom Harmison can muster.
The New Zealand Invitation XI resumed at 177 for four. Mathew Sinclair got through to 47 and Elliott chipped in with 28.
England captain Michael Vaughan avoided a pair but got a tickle on a good delivery from Mark Gillespie, who bowled much better taking two for 30 from eight overs. Kevin Pietersen smashed five fours and three big sixes on his way to 53.
Left-hander Andrew Strauss was undefeated on 55 when bad light ended play early. Earlier rain delayed the start of play until 1pm.
One-day captain Paul Collingwood did not field yesterday. The all-rounder felt a niggle in his right hamstring during the fourth one-day international match in Napier and was rested as a precaution.
However, he will bat if required. Pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom is also carrying a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the first test.
