Harmison's Lions haul wasn't enough to win a Test place [GALLO/GETTY]

Paceman Graham Onions won selection ahead of his Durham teammate for the first Test in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Batsman Ian Bell has also been added to the England XI who played Warwickshire last week while left-arm spinner Monty Panesar wins selection for the five-day match ahead of Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

Harmison displayed genuine pace and disconcerting bounce for the England Lions against Australia in the drawn match that finished on Saturday, dismissing exciting new opener Phillip Hughes cheaply in both innings and taking six wickets overall.

Frustrating

However, he paid the price for his frustrating inconsistency in Test cricket – and a poor 2007 Ashes in Australia – while Onions has reaped the reward of a fine first series against West Indies this year, including five for 38 figures on debut.

"Graham Onions was picked on what he has done in his last two Test matches and his consistency in county cricket as well," chief selector Geoff Miller told Sky Sports.

"It was encouraging to see how Steve Harmison bowled but it's not a sprint, these Ashes, it's a long marathon and there's a lot of cricket to be played."

Bell has been included as the extra batsman while Panesar's respectable Test record gives him the edge over the inexperienced Rashid if England decide to play two spinners.

Cardiff will be staging a Test for the first time and the England team management will examine the pitch closely before making a decision on the final XI.

Spin options

"We'll wait to see what the pitch produces."

The batting lineup looks settled with wicketkeeper Matt Prior likely to bat at six followed by Andrew Flintoff who is returning after yet another injury break.

James Anderson will head the pace attack assisted by Stuart Broad, Flintoff and Onions if England opt for Graeme Swann as the only spinner.