On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison claims seven for 12 against West Indies
A damaging spell saw Harmison almost single handedly knock over West Indies for just double figures at Sabina Park.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Harmison took seven wickets for 12 runs as England bowled West Indies out for 47, on this day in 2004.
A damaging spell saw Harmison almost single handedly knock over West Indies for just double figures at Sabina Park, on their way to a 10-wicket victory in the first Test.
It took just 11.3 overs for the then 25-year-old to pick up his seven wickets, conceding just 12 runs as the hosts were all back in the shed with 47 runs in the second innings – setting up a 10-wicket victory for England who were on their way to a first Test series victory in the Caribbean since 1968.
Before this series, the 6ft 4in right-armer had shown lots of potential with his combination of pace and swing, but struggled for consistency coupled with a back injury during the winter.
The first innings of the match was completely opposite to the second as the West Indies totalled 311 but everything changed on the fourth day of the Test.
Day four began with the Windies eight without loss, 20 runs behind the visitors but did not prepare for what was to come.
England captain Michael Vaughan lined up eight fielders in the slips, and Harmison did the rest as a young West Indies side wilted under a fearsome assault.
Harmison’s form continued into the rest of the series, when he struck figures of six for 61 in the second Test before Matthew Hoggard played a key role to help secure victory in the third Test.
It was the beginning of the best spell of Harmison’s career, who a year later played a key role in England’s famous Ashes triumph over Australia in 2005.
Harmison would again battle with consistency as his injury worries returned which meant he would play his final Test at the age of 30 in 2009.