Steve Harmison's homesickness was the reason he wasn’t picked in the squad to face South Africa this winter according to England selector Geoff Miller.

The pace ace has long proved to be an annoying enigma for captains and fans alike. Harmison is as likely to bowl utter rubbish and look disinterested as he is capable of dishing up great hostile spells and winning Test matches for England.

But while the former has been more apparent since his 2005 Ashes performance, Miller claims it was his refusal to commit to touring Australia in 12 months time that proved to be the real reason the ‘Ashington Express’ didn’t make the plane to South Africa.

“His performances, certainly over the last two or three tours, have not mirrored what he was capable of doing,” Miller said.

“We had to keep an eye not only on the present day but on the future as he stated he did not want to tour Australia in 2010-11, so consequently, and unfortunately for Steve, he’s not been selected.”

However, Miller said the door had not been permanently shut on Harmison’s international career.

“He didn’t mention that (retirement) to me at all but obviously that opportunity is there for him,” he said.

“We will continue to consider him until a decision is made that he doesn’t want to play international cricket anymore.

“He’s been a terrific performer for England over the years and has my full respect as a cricketer, but unfortunately, over the last few years, he’s not performed like he is capable of performing.”

Harmison, who also failed to make the one-day squad, also paid the price for declaring that he would not want to go to South Africa as a “bit-part” player.

Miller said the selectors would not have been able to offer Harmison the kind of guarantees about his involvement that his “bit-part player” comments appeared to invite.

“We can’t give guarantees,” Miller added. “He goes there in a squad and then fights for his place.

“I understand what he’s saying, that there’s no point in him going out there as an experienced player and just walking around carrying drinks, but he has to fight for his place just like everyone else, and perform and get into the side on quality and ability, and we just can’t guarantee that he’s going to be a player out there.

“Although it didn’t completely go against him, it was part of the discussion.”

Elsewhere, Middlesex batsman Owais Shah admitted he was “extremely disappointed” to miss out on both squads despite a superb 98 from 89 balls
in the recent Champions Trophy group stage win over South Africa.