Harmison and his wife already have two daughters

Harmison had been due to play for Durham on Wednesday in their home Championship game against Middlesex.

It would have been the 27-year-old's first appearance since returning home early from England's tour to India because of a shin injury.

Harmison is hoping to prove his fitness ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, which starts on 25 May.

But he could still have two more chances to do so before the squad is announced as Durham have a C&G Trophy tie against Lancashire next Sunday and a Championship fixture against Notts at Trent Bridge on the 17th.

His absence from Wednesday's game was a disappointment to the spectators who turned up at the Riverside hoping to see him in action and to Durham coach Martyn Moxon.

"He's been bowling over the last week or so and just building up to playing in a game. The good news is he's had no reaction so far," Moxon commented.

Harmison has suffered from homesickness on past England tours because of the time spent away from his family.

In a newspaper interview last year, he said: "I cannot see myself playing for England when I am in my mid-thirties.

"I have kids that need me around and they will dictate the decisions I make in my career.

"My international career will finish when my family needs me to be around a bit more."