Hauritz gets Nielsen vote of confidence

Off-colour off-spinner Nathan Hauritz has received a vote of confidence from Australia coach Tim Nielsen despite taking just one wicket in his final audition for an Ashes berth this Wednesday in Cardiff.

Hauritz dismissed Ian Bell on the cusp of tea in the drawn warm-up match at New Road on Saturday, the England Lions captain caught at bat-pad by Simon Katich.

But that made it just two dismissals for a total of 260 runs in 68 overs on this tour so far for the 27-year-old Queenslander, whose place in the attack is under threat because the side has a variety of part-time spin options including North, Katich and Michael Clarke.

Marcus North was even handed the spin bowling duties ahead of Hauritz in the second innings in Worcester.

But Nielsen said he was comfortable with Hauritz's form going into Australia's Ashes defence at Sophia Gardens.

"He's got better and better as the two games have gone on. He's comfortable with how his game is progressing," said the Australia coach.

"He was well below his best in the first innings at Hove and again the wicket didn't offer a lot here. But at least he was able to get some rhythm, he changed his pace a lot more and he caused a few more issues out of the rough for their left-handers.

"Remembering that their Test match squad usually has two left-handers at the top and three to finish the order off, an off-spinner will pretty handy in that regard."

Another bowler who has provided the selectors with food for thought is Stephen Harmison after he claimed vital wickets in both Australian innings to return impressive match figures of six for 135.

Harmison's radar was right on the money from the first morning and he twice dismissed wunderkind Phillip Hughes cheaply by executing his pre-planned bouncer barrage to the 20-year-old opener to perfection.

Bell said the enigmatic paceman remained lethal with the new ball and must have pushed himself right into the first Test mix despite his omission from the original 16-man party.

"We all know when Steve's in top form he's one of the best bowlers in the world. He deserves to be close," said Bell, who scored a scratchy 20 under the gaze of England selectors James Whitaker, Geoff Miller, Ashley Giles and coach Andy Flower as well as England captain Andrew Strauss.

"I'm sure in the selection meeting today they would have talked a lot about Steve Harmison. He's been fantastic this week, his whole attitude. He really wanted to put on a performance and he looks in fantastic form and rhythm.

"I couldn't fault him."

But Nielsen branded Harmison inconsistent and said the Australian camp wasn't running scared of his possible promotion to the England squad for Cardiff, which is due to be named at Old Trafford on Sunday morning.

"I notice in the paper he was pretty keen to let us know what he thought. The game soldiered along and he did a decent job. But Test match cricket goes for five days," he chided.

Harmison and Graham Onions are battling with Ryan Sidebottom for England's third seamer's spot.