James Harris has already played two seasons of first-class cricket

Glamorgan bowler James Harris hopes to return from a 10-day trip to Dennis Lillee's bowling academy in India having added half a yard of pace.

Harris, 19, is one of four England development players under the wing of the Australia Test legend.

"It's a bit of a short, sharp trip to India but hopefully it will be a productive few days," said Harris.

"Ideally, I'd like to put on an extra half yard of pace. The trip can only benefit me."

Harris, who flew out to India this week, shot to prominence in 2007 when he became the youngest ever bowler in the County Championship to take 10 wickets in a match - returning 12 for 118 against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

Aged just 17 years and three days, he took seven for 66 in the home team's first innings, before a return of five for 52 when the West Country side batted again.

I hope there will also be plenty of opportunity to talk to the great man at length James Harris

Harris' development has continued apace since then, and he was rewarded by a call-up to the England Lions team which took on Australia last summer.

The India trip is the second trip for Harris this winter after he spent a month in Florida in December fitness training. He has gone out there with Surrey pair Stuart Meaker and Chris Jordan, as well as David Griffiths (Hampshire).

"Of course the trip [to India] is based on honing my bowling but I hope there will also be plenty of opportunity to talk to the great man at length about bowling as well," explained Harris.

"We've been in the nets at Loughborough [England Academy headquarters] for the last few days getting rid of the Christmas cobwebs and hopefully I can develop further in India and back up all the fitness and gym work we did in Florida."

On playing against Australia last summer Harris said: "That was an eye-opening experience but one that gave me the confidence to know that I could cope with bowling to a top batting line-up like Australia."

After returning from India Harris will be concentrating fully on Glamorgan's pre-season and he is confident about the Welsh county's 2010 prospects.

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"I think there is a real buzz about the Glamorgan camp at the moment preparing for the new season," revealed Harris.

"Getting Mark Cosgrove back was a good signing and recruiting Shaun Tait for the Twenty20 Cup is a brilliant boost to the squad, and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"I'm looking forward to spearheading the bowling attack again. I relish the responsibility of the new ball and setting the tone early in an innings."

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