Steve Harmison calls timing of removing Cook as ODI skipper 'naughty'

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison feels that the timing of Alastair Cook's removal as the squad's ODI captain was 'naughty'.

The England and Wales Cricket Board took England's captaincy reins from Cook on Friday, a day before the 15-man squad for the 2015 World Cup was to be announced, naming Eoin Morgan as the new skipper.

Harmison said that the selectors had been swayed by the media, adding that to get rid of Cook now when the batsman's taken lots punches for some people at the ECB is naughty, The BBC reported.

Harmison stated that he would like them to have done it six months ago.

A host of former England captains -including Nasser Hussain, Alec Stewart and Michael Vaughan- have called for Cook to be replaced as captain.

Harmison also said that off-field issues had not helped the opening batsman, who has endured a turbulent year, in which he presided over a 5-0 Ashes series whitewash, which also ended Kevin Pietersen's international career, and is also calling for him to stand down as Test captain.

Harmison also said that the ECB said Cook is their man, captain, and they are going to back him and added that then they get rid of the skipper at the last minute.

The fast bowler said that when one is playing international sport and one has got these people in charge of the game, who needs opposition.

Cook has struggled for form in the one-day game, averaging only 27.52 runs in each of his last 20 innings and the recent 5-2 series defeat in Sri Lanka proved to be his last as captain, the report added.