Steve Harmison's selection is as uninspiring as his recent record in international cricket, says Michael Atherton © Getty Images

It is a reflection of a deep and prevailing lack of confidence that the England selectors have been forced to turn to a bowler who has caused them more grief over the past two years than any other cricketer, Michael Atherton writes in the Times.

His selection is as uninspiring as his recent record in international cricket and his attitude and, surely, it is a return that sends a terrible message: that it does not matter if, time and again, you underperform; 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.