Harmison has been unable to find a consistent line and length

His comments followed Steve Harmison's wayward performance in the third Test against West Indies.

Cooley played a key role in the 2005 Ashes triumph but then left after only being offered a new one-year contract.

"To miss out on a talent like Troy Cooley was has showed in our results and how we've bowled," said Cork.

Interview: Former Test star Dominic Cork

"I think the ECB should hang their heads in shame."

Commenting on day two of the game at Old Trafford, BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said that in terms of quality, it was "just about the worst day of Test cricket" he could remember.

606: DEBATE How significant has Cooley's exit been for England?

And former England seam bowler Angus Fraser, writing in The Independent, described Harmison and team-mate Liam Plunkett as having "all the control of a pair of cross-eyed javelin throwers".

But Cork told the BBC's Today programme that Harmison was still a world-class bowler and England were still bowling West Indies out despite his erratic line and length.

He dismissed suggestions that Harmison should be left out of the team for next week's fourth Test at the Riverside.

"What he needs to do is forget all the attention around him and where he's bowling and just get on with it. Hopefully with Allan Donald as the new bowling coach, he'll be able to do that," said Cork.

"I don't think you should drop him - he's still taking wickets. Obviously he's got to eradicate the problems of bowling wides and loose deliveries.

"But give Allan Donald a bit of time to come up to Durham, work with him for a few days and then come to his home ground - he'll have his home crowd behind him in the fourth Test - and hopefully we'll see the Steve Harmison everyone wants to see in the Test arena."