A laudable decision

Compared with the soul-searching and winter-long agonising that went into England's eventual refusal to visit Zimbabwe for last year's World Cup, the decision that Steve Harmison reached this morning was an absolute no-brainer. But it was no less laudable for that.

In the 18 months that have passed since that World Cup, Harmison's stock as a cricketer has risen exponentially, the standard of the Zimbabwean team has fallen through the floor, and the situation in that country becomes ever more objectionable by the day. In the eyes of those who seek to put a political spin on every step of this saga, he had much to lose from taking the trip, but plenty to gain from taking a stand.

The tour will probably benefit from his absence as well. At a time when the world is debating whether cricket's minnow nations have any place in the big pond, it makes no sense for Harmison, one of the meanest pikes in the game, to be let loose on such defenceless opposition in such meaningless circumstances. If England are obliged to take part in this series, then the least they can do is blood some young bowlers and make a competition of it.

Harmison has long had a reputation as a somewhat reluctant traveller, so the moral aspect of his stand is probably less relevant than was the case with Australia's Stuart MacGill, who might now be reflecting on whether his refusal to tour Zimbabwe had anything to do with his omission from next month's India series. Naturally, Harmison has no such fears.

But looking at the bigger picture, this tour is an unwanted distraction for England. They have a crucial nine months coming up, with a massive series in South Africa in December, followed by next summer's Ashes. The morale of the side is every bit as important as form and fitness, and all three could be jeopardised on this trip.

Harmison has a young family to consider and a huge workload ahead of him. Secretly, the England management may be hoping that his influence rubs off on some of the other key players, not least that man Flintoff. For the time being, less is definitely more.