England's Steve Harmison has been told he may feature later in the series against South Africa despite failing to break into the side for third Test at Edgbaston.

After a lengthy spell in the international wilderness, the 29-year-old Durham fast bowler was recalled to the England squad this weekend for the crucial third npower Test which starts on Wednesday.

England need to win with the Proteas 1-0 up with two to play.

But Harmison failed to make the starting line-up with England instead deciding to strengthen their batting line-up by recalling Paul Collingwood and fielding only four specialist bowlers.

Captain Michael Vaughan, however, does not believe Harmison should be too downhearted and hinted he may be needed for the final Test at The Oval starting on August 7.

"He was very close (to playing) and that's why we brought him into the squad - it's a sign for him that we feel he's got a chance of getting get back in," confirmed Vaughan.

"He's obviously not in the XI this week, but who's to say he won't be in the XI at The Oval the week after?"

Today's disappointment follows Harmison's dramatic axing from the team earlier this year after a dismal display in the opening Test defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton.

But Vaughan stressed that today was not such a big blow to Harmison, adding: "I'd say he is just delighted to be back in the squad.

"This isn't a dropping, it's a promotion from being in the Durham ranks to back in the England ranks. He's not in the XI but he's delighted to be back in the 13."

Former England chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth, meanwhile, has backed the decision to exclude Harmison.

Illingworth, who was England's chairman of selectors between 1994 and 1997, insists Harmison has not done enough to deserve a recall.

"It's a difficult decision to make but you might as well keep him (Harmison) out of the side if the pitch isn't right for him," Illingworth told PA Sport.

"Harmison had two years where he didn't perform for England and I don't think he can just walk back into the side.

"The lads that have been bowling have been playing well over the last 12 months.

"I don't think he's been badly treated by the selectors. He's got to fight for his place. He's not actually been all that good from what I've seen of him."

Durham chief executive David Harker suspects Harmison's exclusion has more to do with the condition of the pitch than his ability.

"I'm disappointed for Steve that he's not in the side. He has bowled extremely well for us all season and we've been delighted with his form," Harker told PA Sport.

"We have seen enough of him this year to know that it will be difficult for England to win without him.

"I'm sure it will only be a question of time before he's back in the England side."

Teams for the third npower Test between England and South Africa, which starts at Edgbaston on Wednesday:

England: MP Vaughan (Yorkshire, capt), AN Cook (Essex), AJ Strauss (Middlesex), KP Pietersen (Hampshire), IR Bell (Warwickshire), PD Collingwood (Durham), A Flintoff (Lancashire), TR Ambrose (Warwickshire, wkt), RJ Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), JM Anderson (Lancashire), MS Panesar (Northamptonshire).

South Africa (from): GC Smith (capt), ND McKenzie, HM Amla, JH Kallis, AG Prince, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, MV Boucher (wkt), PL Harris, M Morkel, M Ntini, A Nel.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pak) & SJ Davis (Aus).

Third Umpire: IJ Gould.

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SL).

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