Atherton blasts Harmison return

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The Durham paceman was dropped following the first Test defeat in New Zealand in March but has returned in place of Darren Pattinson for this week's third Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.

Atherton wrote in his column in the Times: "It is a puzzling selection because it is difficult to see how he will make the final XI, unless Ryan Sidebottom suffers a recurrence of his back stiffness or he has suddenly leapfrogged Sidebottom, James Anderson or Andrew Flintoff in the pecking order."

He added: "Excuse the cynicism, but what Harmison's selection does is allow the selection panel to vaporise Chris Tremlett and Darren Pattinson with the minimum of fuss.

"His selection is as uninspiring as his recent record in international cricket and his attitude and, surely, it sends a terrible message: that it does not matter if, time and again, you do not so much cherish and nurture your talent as abuse it; and that it does not matter if, time and again, you turn up unprepared, there will always be another chance.

"Nor does his record against South Africa (18 wickets at 59.55) or his record at Edgbaston (five wickets at 68.20) inspire confidence."