What a Coventry University Netballer

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The next match was against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord's. The MCC fielded seven players who would represent England in the Tests,[21][22][23][24][25][26] and were basically a full strength Test team, while Australia fielded their first-choice team. It was a chance to gain a psychological advantage, and given Harvey's early struggles in English conditions and his failure to pass 25 in his first six innings,[3] he was overlooked as Australia amassed 552 and won by an innings.[5][6]

After asking Bradman about the reason for his difficulties with the bat, Harvey was told that these were caused by rash shot selection and a tendency to hit the ball in the air. Bradman said "He was technically perfect in his shot production. He was batting well enough and simply getting out early."[3] Harvey adapted his style and improved his performance. In the next match, he scored 36 and 76 not out on a turning pitch against Lancashire at Old Trafford in Manchester, putting on an unbroken century partnership with Ron Hamence in the second innings as the match ended in a draw.[5][27][28] Harvey was rested for the following match against Nottinghamshire, which was also drawn.[5][6]

Harvey returned in the next fixture against Hampshire and made one as Australia were dismissed for 117 in reply to the home side's 195. It was the first time the tourists had conceded a first innings lead on the tour.[6][29] However, Harvey did not get another chance with the bat as Australia recovered to win by eight wickets.[5][29]
Test omission
See also: First Test, 1948 Ashes series, Second Test, 1948 Ashes series, and Third Test, 1948 Ashes series

Harvey had one last chance to make his case for Test selection in the match at Hove against Sussex. It was the final county fixture before the First Test at Trent Bridge. He came to the crease at 3/360 and put on stands of 93 and 97 with Ray Lindwall and Hamence respectively to finish unbeaten on 100 in only 115 minutes. Australia declared at 5/549 when Harvey reached three figures and went on to complete an innings victory.[6][30] Former Australian Test batsman Jack Fingleton described Harvey's innings as "a superb century, rich in youthful daring and stroke production".[31] Harvey later rated it his best innings of the tour excluding the Test matches.[32]