Mahmood answers the intrepid BBC reporter Ayanjit Sen in Delhi

The 24-year-old Lancashire paceman suffered a torrid time in the home series against Sri Lanka, his 21 overs costing 173 and yielding three wickets.

"If you get it wrong you'll get hit," said Mahmood, who hit back to take 2-24 off 10 in the final game with Pakistan.

"I have learned a lot, mainly that the margin for error is really small - especially against top class batsmen."

Interview: England bowler Sajid Mahmood

Mahmood played in three of England's seven one-day matches in India last winter, and is aware of the difficulties a quick bowler faces.

"We have a week before our first game [with India on October 15] so hopefully we can get used to the conditions."

In the third match of the winter series in Goa, Mahmood opened the bowling and went for 0-66 from eight overs, but he returned in the sixth match and bowled first change to take 3-37 from eight.

"You need to work out the right areas to bowl, especially on a wicket that doesn't suit fast bowlers."