Harmison denies money motivated his one-day return

Steve Harmison has hit back at accusations that he only returned to England's one-day team to cash in on the huge sums of money flooding into the game.

Harmison, 29, reversed his decision to retire from the one-day international arena last Thursday and marked his return to the side by taking two wickets in England's wins against South Africa at Headingley and then Trent Bridge.

It has been suggested that Harmison has opted to come back for financial reasons with the money-spinning Stanford Series due to start in October, but the Durham star is adamant that is not the case.

"Everyone is talking about it saying he has come back for the money, but I have come back for cricketing," Harmison told Sky Sports News.

"It feels like I've been criticised for everything, even for changing my socks. I've come back for cricketing reasons only.

"It was an interesting three or four days leading up to the series. I never thought I'd be anywhere near the games.

"They asked me where I was going to be in the winter and then 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 claimed family issues were among the reasons why he originally decided to retire in 2006 and he only returned after speaking to wife.

"I only agreed to come back after speaking to my wife and children. They were the first people I spoke to," Harmison said.

"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."