LONDON, Oct 29: Steve Harmison will be at the top of his form by the time the Ashes begin at the end of November, England bowling coach Kevin Shine has insisted.

The Durham fast bowler struggled with his rhythm in the Champions Trophy in India and was dropped for the game against West Indies.

“I'm completely confident that come the first Test, Steve will perform. He's the best bowler in the world,” Shine told The Mail on Sunday.

“On form, he's a frightening proposition. Test match cricket is completely different from one-day cricket.”

England were due to arrive home on Sunday for a brief rest before heading out to Australia on Nov 3. Their first game of the Ashes tour is against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Nov 10.

Shine said England were building Harmison up to hit peak form for the Test series.

“I know how much Steve is looking forward to the Ashes,” said Shine.

“Harmison bowls at 90mph. We need to look after him. He's a proven, nailed-on match winner. When you get fast bowlers like that, you've got to look after them.”—Agencies