Worcester (England), July 3: Stephen Harmison reinforced his claims for England’s third quick berth in next week’s Ashes opener by skittling out Australia XI’s rookie opener Phillip Hughes and captain Ricky Ponting here at New Road on Friday.

Rising star Hughes can expect plenty of short stuff during the first Test in Cardiff after being bounced out for the second time by Harmison in Australia’s final warm-up match.

But at least fellow Ashes newcomer Marcus North spent precious time in the middle as his unbeaten 39 helped guide the tourists to 140/3 at tea on the third day of their four-day match here with the England Lions, a lead of 146 runs.

Earlier, the tourists’ pace trio needed 75 minutes to claim the Lions’ final four wickets with Rashid’s half-century adding to Moore’s 120. England Lions were all out for 352 in reply to Australia XI’s first innings score of 358. — AFP