Harmison was dropped along with Matthew Hoggard after England lost the first Test in Hamilton in March but after impressing for county team Durham this season he has been given a second chance. 

“I think it is an aggressive move, a positive move,” new captain Pietersen told reporters. “We need to take 20 wickets in this Test - you need to take 20 in any Test - and I feel a lot more comfortable with four fast bowlers.

“We've given responsibility to the batters to score runs with Colly (Paul Collingwood) at five, Freddie (Andrew Flintoff) at six, Timmy (Ambrose) seven and Broad (in for Ryan Sidebottom) eight. I'm looking forward to getting started.”

He added, on Harmison: “I like Steve and what he brings to the team. He's had his ups and downs but I have a really good relationship with Steve. He seems as excited as anything and he had a bit of a bounce in his step.

“I like Steve in the side. Mooresy (coach Peter Moores) and I are singing from the same hymn sheet at the moment. It's all positive.”

Ravi Bopara was left out of the team when it was expected he would play for the resting Michael Vaughan. Ian Bell is set to bat at three.

England team: Kevin Pietersen (captain), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Tim Ambrose, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar.