Ashes were Harmison's 'worst nightmare'

England fast bowler Steve Harmison has admitted he brought forward his decision to retire from one-day internationals after coming to "hate the game of cricket".

Harmison had originally intended to call time on his limited overs career after the World Cup - a tournament he insists England can win - but was too demoralised after the 5-0 Ashes whitewash to continue.

Harmison's famously wayward delivery to open the series was a sign of things to come as he endured his worst form in an England shirt. He told the Mail on Sunday: "From the very first ball of the Ashes series I hated the game of cricket."

He added: "None of our big players turned up, at least not on a consistent basis, and some of us failed to achieve anything at all. I'd place myself in that last category.

"I can't think of a worse ball than that [opening deliver], in fact I can't remember ever bowling as bad as that.

"It was my worst nightmare."

Things became so bad the Durham paceman soon realised he did not have to appetite to join the squad in the West Indies - where his team-mates touched down on Saturday.

"The plan was to pack in after the World Cup. I wanted to prolong my Test career and that's why I've packed in one-dayers.

"[But] I can't tell you how pleased I'll be if England win the World Cup and if Australia don't rediscover their best form we can do it."