Test shock as England leave out Steve Harmison

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The big fast bowler, restored to Michael Vaughan's squad after a four-month absence, was told today to bide his time for a bit longer after being left out of the side to face South Africa in the Third Test.

Harmison and fellow paceman Stuart Broad were both omitted after England's practice session this morning, with Paul Collingwood and Ryan Sidebottom coming back into a side thrashed by 10 wickets at Headingley.

Vaughan softened the blow, however, by stressing that 2005 Ashes hero Harmison could yet play a part in this four-match series at The Oval, which is likely to offer more bounce than Edgbaston.

"I'd say he is just delighted to be back in the squad," said Vaughan. "This isn't a dropping. It's a promotion from being in the Durham ranks to being back in the England ranks.

"He's not in the XI but I think he's delighted to be back in the 13. Steve was very close, that's why we brought him back into the squad.

"It's a sign for him that we feel he has a chance of getting back into the team. He's not there this week, but who is to say he won't be at The Oval the week after."

The decision to recall 29-year-old Harmison has not been greeted with universal approval. Former England captain Michael Atherton called the move "uninspiring" and there was even a suggestion from South Africa that playing the paceman might be a sign of "desperation" and a "quick fix".

Now, though, Vaughan is set to rely on a four-man attack, with Sidebottom being joined by Jimmy Anderson and Andrew Flintoff as well as left-arm spinner Monty Panesar.

That means Collingwood will return to the team at No6 after being distraught at Headingley when the selectors ended his run of 33 consecutive Tests.

Flintoff is likely to bat at No7 and wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose at No8.

Vaughan said after England's heavy defeat that there was a lack of unity about his side and indicated that Darren Pattinson's controversial selection created confusion.

The captain insisted today, though, that he had "no real regrets" about his comments.

"I always try to speak honestly and will continue to do so," he said.