Homesickness likely to curtail Harmison's career

Michael Vaughan has spoken of his doubts over the longevity of Steve Harmison's career owing to the fast bowler's trouble with homesickness. Harmison is currently in Australia representing the World XI in the ICC Super Series.

Vaughan has re-fuelled the debate surrounding Harmison's well-publicised difficulty in touring in his new book - Calling the Shots - which is released tomorrow. "I'd love to see [him] carry on for decades, but I'm realistic enough to know it probably won't happen," he said. "Indeed, I'd be surprised if Steve plays past his 30th birthday. I think he will continue long enough to earn what he needs to keep himself and his family for the rest of his life."

Harmison, England's most potent bowling weapon when in form, first came to prominence in England's 2003-04 tour of the West Indies. He took nine wickets in the first Test, including a devastating second-innings performance of 7 for 12, and consistently menaced the West Indian batsmen - in particular, Brian Lara. His success continued throughout the 2004 season against New Zealand and, again, West Indies.

But it was during England's tour of South Africa the following winter that doubts increased over his ability to perform at the highest level away from England, and away from his young family. His nine wickets each cost 73.22 runs - a performance the absolute polar opposite of his previous 14 Tests, in which he took 76 wickets at just 20.51.

He has never been shy to admit his trouble in touring, however. On arriving in Australia earlier this week, he said: "I don't like travelling full stop - that's just me and I'll never change, but I haven't had a problem going on tour and I've performed well on most tours I've been on..." After the Super Test, Harmison will join England in Pakistan on October 26.

Calling the Shots (Hodder & Stoughton) is published tomorrow - buy it now.