Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:19 GMT



Steve Harmison believes Australia are lacking in confidence ahead of the start of the Ashes.The Durham paceman took 3-67 from 22 overs as the England Lions went head-to-head with the tourists in their final warm-up game at Worcester's New Road.



Harmison is currently out of favour in the England set-up but fired a reminder to the selectors ahead of next week's first Test after taking the scalps of Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich and Brett Lee.



He also revealed his surprise at the spirit currently in the Australia camp.



"This is my fourth time against Australia and the one thing I picked up is that they are not as brash and confident as they normally are," he said.



"I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it is to do with the side gelling together or whether they don't have the big players of recent years, and the confidence you get from that.



"But they don't seem to be the confident Australia I've known. I think there is only Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee who have played more Ashes tests than myself in the two squads.



"There are things you pick up on like body language. I've seen a little chink there. It is understandable because there are not the players in their side from bygone years.



"There is definitely something to work on for England and, if we can bat well, we have half a chance to win the Ashes back."