Steve Harmison is pessimistic about earning a recall for the first Ashes Test despite causing more problems for the Australian batsmen in their final warm-up game.

Harmison dismissed Australia opener Phillip Hughes for the second time in their four-day game with the England Lions at Worcester and also accounted for skipper Ricky Ponting.

The Durham pace man again exposed Hughes' vulnerability against the short pitched delivery and he made only eight before fending a catch to second slip.

Harmison has proved in the past he can cause problems for Australia but does not expect to feature at Cardiff when the five-game series gets under way next Wednesday.

Harmison said: "I've made it difficult for everyone. I've made it difficult for the selectors. But I don't think they will pick me for Cardiff.

"I think they are going to play two spinners in that game so I don't fit into that plan.

"I fully understand if that is the case. I will go back and play for Durham, work hard and try again for Lord's.

"If I still don't get in then, they know I'm fit and causing Australia problems if and when they need me.

"They know what I'm about but if they don't pick me, it will probably mean England are winning the series."

Harmison urged England not to overdo the short-pitched bowling at Hughes despite his success against the left-hander at New Road.

He said: "Personally, I don't think what I have done here will count for anything next Wednesday. Let's not get carried away. This kid is only 20, opens for the best side in the world and averages over 50 in Test cricket.

"England have got to be wary that they don't get carried away with bowling too many short balls at him."

Australia resolved one potential problem with Marcus North scoring an unbeaten century in their 276 for four which gives them an overall lead of 282.

North had managed only 13 runs in his previous three innings but looked full of confidence during a century stand with Michael Clarke.

North said: "There has been a bit of pressure building up because of my last three innings. With the Test around the corner, and me not performing as well as I would have liked, this is an important hundred for me.

"It was nice to spend a few hours in the middle leading into Cardiff and hopefully that puts my name at the front when it comes to selection."