Harmison believes in 2008 model

Steve Harmison finds the atmosphere on a tour of India to be more tight-knit

Steve Harmison embarks on his first one-day series in India convinced he can be a better bowler for England now than when he was rated as the world's best four years ago.

The 30-year-old Durham fast bowler has endured many ups and downs since establishing himself as number one in the world rankings in 2004 following a year when he claimed 67 Test wickets.

He helped England win the 2005 Ashes but lost his form and his enjoyment for cricket over the last couple of years, culminating in his retirement from one-day internationals shortly before the 2007 World Cup.

But Harmison is now a key part of England's side hoping to win their first one-day series in India since 1984-5.

If Harmison can reach the heights of 2004 again, their chances of a rare series win on the subcontinent will increase significantly, but he believes England have a more rounded bowler in their ranks now than four years ago.

"I think I'm a better bowler now because I'm a more experienced bowler," claimed Harmison. "That year everything stuck, I was getting people taking catches off nothing and winnings lbws which were 90-10 in the batsman's favour.

"The following year, if there were three dropped catches in the game they were all mine, but I was pretty philosophical about what was happening and sometimes everything goes for you.

"You have to take the rough with the smooth and I feel like I'm in a decent place now but this tour is going to be tough.

“I'm just coming back into one-day cricket and this is probably the hardest tour of all."

Harmison is determined to enjoy this experience, his first ever one-day tour in India, and in particular the team spirit that is often built up on these types of trips.

"I enjoy India because, as a team, you're together,” he added.

“There aren't as many distractions as other tours - you've got the cricket and then back to the hotel all the time and a few scary flights.

"If we come away from this trip with the team strong and galvanised by having a good trip here, then that can only be beneficial for what's coming up in the summer."