In his first press conference as the new Irish cricket coach in April, John Bracewell admitted he had coveted the job long before Phil Simmons left for the West Indies.

ENGLAND are facing an anxious wait to determine whether they face another dilemma over the balance of their side after all-rounder Andrew Flintoff emerged as a doubt for the second Ashes Test.

Steve Harmison returns to first-class action tomorrow determined to regain his position as one of the most feared bowlers in the world.