Paul Collingwood has predicted Steve Harmison will give county batsmen a "torrid time" this season in a bid to prove his England career is not over.

Harmison was dropped after a disappointing performance in England's first Test defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton early last month.

The Durham bowler, who was ranked world number one after destroying the West Indies in 2004, was low on pace and finished with match figures of one for 121 from 27 overs.

But Collingwood is convinced Harmison is ready to recapture his best form in time for this summer's rematch with the Black Caps.

Durham have two Friends Provident County Championship matches before the first Test starts at Lord's on May 15.

Collingwood said: "I've seen him over the last couple of days at Durham and, talking to him, he is really up for it.

"You can tell he's really got the bit between his teeth and people facing him in the next few weeks are in for a torrid time.

"When he's at his best he's one of the best bowlers in the world so we all hope he can get back to that."

In Harmison's absence, Ryan Sidebottom bowled England to a 2-1 series victory in New Zealand and Collingwood is aware the top order need to start pitching in.

There were three centrions in the third Test victory - Kevin Pietersen in the first innings, Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell in the second - but only four in the series and in an era where scoring rates are increasing around the world, England's has been in decline.

They can argue in response that the top six all average over 40, which is true, impressive and rare for England, but Collingwood accepts they need to start notching up the big scores.

"We started to put it right in the last Test match," he said.

"We need to get a few more tons, we've all realised that as a batting unit."

He believes that will be helped by the early season form being shown players trying to break into the England top order, with Owais Shah, Ravi Bopara and Rob Key all making centuries this week.