Nelson's Column... Harmison left out of England squad

England's Test squad for the tour of South Africa sees three men dropped, including the biggest let-down of the last decade, Steve Harmison.

The mentally-shot Ravi Bopara and Monty Panesar, suffering something of a mid-career crisis, are also discarded while Luke Wright, Liam Plunkett and Steven Davies are drafted in.

But it's the axeing of Harmison which will generate the headlines even though it's quite clearly the right decision. Simply walking out of his front door sends the Durham man into a state of panic, let alone flying to the southern hemisphere. His performances and attitute overseas since his wonder tour of the Caribbean in 2004 have been nothing short of disgraceful.

Then he has the audacity to say in public that there's no point going to South Africa if he's unlikely to play a full part in the Test team. Anyone would think he has a divine right to play for England despite averaging not much less than 40 since the end of 2004, and 48.63 on his travels. Such arrogance is truly astounding.

Harmison will find a place alongside the ever-expanding list of great English talents who failed on the biggest stage. His Test career, bar a purple patch in 2004 and the occasional hostile spell, is a monumental disappointment. Finally, belatedly, England are moving on.

Are England right to drop Harmison, Bopara and Panesar? Send in your views using the boxes blelow.

Comments

[Colin]

Harmison is a big girls blouse yes he is a good bowler and could possibly have been world class however he has been a moaner all his career if its not missing his family its something else god if i got the same wages to play cricket these pre madonna sports men get i wouldnt moan at all

[Polly Filler]

Harmison has been poor for along time, at least three of every six balls are not playable. He is long past his best and has been for a clong time. He is so arrogant thinking he should have an automatic place in the team, he should forgo some speed for accuracy, but he cannot do that.

[j.loups]

Dave...It is not a "bad" relationship between Harmison & the Management,Trainer or Bowling Coach. It is all to do with results and attitude &
those have not been in evidence these last 4 to 5 yrs
Selectors in the modern game cannot just keep their fingers crossed & hope for miracles.Huge expectation and modern professionalism demands
so much more.

[jameson]

Harmison`s problem all along has been a lack of consistent
line and too much wayward leg side drift...coaches have long told him to get a grip and discipline himself to allow selectors the confidence to pick him...He has pace and bounce but lacks the form to consistently pressure top class batsmen & keep the run rate down.That great South African Pollock was a great example of medium/fast consistent pressure bowling; a pity Harmy did not learn anything from him !! As a County bowler
his 90 mile an hour flyers cause more fear than results &
that is why he is no longer a Test Player !!

[anon]

To be fair he said he would not go to carry the drinks as felt it would be of more benefit to blood someone younger into the team set up.

[DAVE]

theyre wrong to drop him but we in durham new because of the bad feeling between steve and the idit team manager he wouldnt be picked

[julianfaux]

yes they were spot on with the choice of the omittance because harmiston has not been getting wickets like other bowlers have bopth home or abroad,he was expensive too, bhopara did not bat well and panesar lack of practice but might be back soon if better

[Stuart]

Team building for the future, not just pick the same old faces who after several good games fell back into the luxury of a central contract,

[VKM]

i think Harmi should be in.He would be an ideal bowler on SA pitches.

[Steve]

It's about time he was not selected. The Gravy train has ended. One of the best in the world in his hayday though that has long gone. He was becomig too comfortable and lazy.

[Peter]

Gutted that Harmison has been left out. There is no way Plunkett should be in the squad ahead of him. England are going to get whipped in South Africa.

[Simon]

Excellent news. Hopefully Harmison will just retire because he hasn't got a hope of getting a recall. What a waste he has been over the last five years. Time to give others a chance.

[Samuel]

In my opinion Harmison should have been dropped along time ago, I'm amazed the selectors have kept picking him after one dissappointing performance after another.Mahmood of Lancs can throw them down at ninety odd m.p.h, and has much better control with it, not to mention a better attitude aswell.
I would go along with Steven davies selection, he has alot of natural talent and is a great stroke maker. I'ts worth having him in the side just for his batting alone, even if he dosen't keep wicket. Plunkett's a good bowler with a solid action. he's also had a good season taking nearly 50 wickets at 24 a piece, I'd agree with his selection. Luke Wright is a dynamic cricketer who tries very hard, and has improved greatly these past few years, so I'm pleased the selectors gave him the nod.