LONDON, July 28: Former England captain Michael Atherton has blasted the England selectors for recalling fast bowler Stephen Harmison for the third Test against South Africa, saying it sends a “terrible message”.

Durham quick Harmison has been recalled to liven up an attack that couldn’t prevent South Africa piling up over 500 at Headingley, where the Proteas won the second Test by 10 wickets to go 1-0 up in the four-match series after a draw at Lord’s.

Atherton, writing in The Times on Monday, said of Harmison: “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.”—AFP