Former England bowler Steve Harmison has backed the current side to dominate the world of cricket for many years to come.

The Durham seamer was part of the Ashes winning side in 2005, but has not played for the side since August 2009.

England are currently in India ahead of a five-match one-day series as part of their winter tour (ODI-series winner – India 8/13, England 5/4).

Andy Flower’s side dominated their summer series with India, not losing one game against the visitors in any of the three formats of the game.

Harmison believes England’s recent success has a lot to do with the current coach and captain.

“It is just brilliant what the two Andys have done with the England team,” he told The Mirror.

“But I think Andrew Strauss really has been the man above all others though who has driven this team forward.

“He took over in difficult circumstances in the West Indies in 2009 and he has led with courage. I played with Straussy in the first academy intake in Australia. If you want a man in the trenches with you, Straussy is your man. With him in charge I can see England staying No.1 for a long time.”

England’s opening game in India gets underway on October 14 against the hosts in Hyderabad (1st one-day international – India 8/11, England 11/10).