Harmison surprised at omission

Steve Harmison has expressed surprise at his omission from England's squad for South Africa after speaking to team director Andy Flower prior to the announcement earlier this month. Harmison was the most notable absentee from the 16-man squad and the general consensus is that it draws a line under his England career - seven weeks after he helped regain the Ashes at The Oval.

"I had spoken to Andy Flower three or four times before and everything coming out of that was positive," Harmison told BBC Sport. "But they [the selectors[ made a decision about building for the Ashes in 2010-11 and I didn't think I would be around then."

Harmison has only contributed bit-part performances for England in Tests in the last four years. Since 2005 he has provided one truly match-winning display - against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2006 - with the next-best effort coming against South Africa, again at The Oval, last year.

Despite the latest snub - which came nearly a month after he lost his ECB contract - Harmison was noncommittal on an international retirement. "I don't see the point because I don't think they're going to pick me," he said. "At this moment in time, I'm not in. If it came about again we'd have to see where we are.

"England have got a group of five fast bowlers who have got a chance of winning them a series in South Africa. I hope they do do that then questions won't be asked anymore. Comments about an ultimatum disappointed me, there was never none given from me."