Stephen Harmison's inclusion in today's Test team marks a significant step in the ECB & Durham Cricket Academy's bid to nurture future England stars.

Since its establishment six years ago, the Academy has played a major part in creating the youngest average age County squad in the country and spawned a number of players that have represented England at various international levels, most recently Gordon Muchall for England Under 19s.

The Club's pursuit of excellence received a boost last year when Durham was named one of seven First Class Counties to form part of a new national network of ECB County Cricket Academies. The aim of the Academy is to identify cricketers who have the potential of playing at the highest level of the game and to deliver a comprehensive development programme which will provide them with the opportunity of fulfilling their potential.

Stephen joined the Durham Academy in 1996 before progressing to the Durham playing staff in 1998.

© Durham CCC