Steve Harmison claimed today that he never thought his England career was over after being dropped in New Zealand four months ago.

The Durham fast bowler, axed along with fellow Ashes hero Matthew Hoggard following a defeat at Hamilton, is back in Michael Vaughan's squad for Wednesday's Third Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.

"I think a lot of people thought you would never see me wearing an England shirt again, but I was never one of them," said Harmison before this afternoon's training session.

"If I had been I would have gladly said I can't carry on and packed it in, but no. I asked what I had to do, went away and knuckled down and did it.

"That was what I wanted to do. I've always wanted to play for England. I missed the atmosphere.

"It's great playing for Durham and I love it. But the buzz of that first morning of a Test, you don't get it up there at the Riverside."