Durham paceman Steve Harmison got his hands on the County Championship trophy on Monday, and insisted the experience was comparable to winning the Ashes in 2005.

Harmison was a key figure when England wrested the urn from Australia's hands for the first time in 18 years but it was his fall from grace in the international ranks that allowed him to spearhead Durham's maiden county title this season.

And Harmison, who was present as the team were presented with the trophy, told Sky Sports News: "The amount of work we put in to win the Championship is phenomenal."

He added: "Some of the young lads probably don't even realise what they've done, but I'm pleased for them more than anyone."

"I'm not being big-headed but I've played over 50 times in Tests and in one-dayers for England and I've been on some big stages.

"I've won the Ashes which will always be a pinnacle of my career, but this is up there with that.

"I wanted to do this so much for some of the youngsters, for Geoff (Cook, coach) and for everyone at Durham."