Focussing on SL series: Zaheer
First Published : 13 Jul 2012, 11:01
Last Modified : 13 Jul 2012, 11:01
Mumbai, July 13: Pace ace Zaheer Khan makes a return to the India squad for the tour to Sri Lanka, which begins on July 21. Zaheer, who had a full tour of Australia that began at the end of last year, had missed the Asia Cup in March on fitness grounds.
Preparing for the Sri Lanka tour at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Zaheer spoke to the media about his enhanced focus towards fitness. “I am focussing on my bowling fitness as the season is going to be long,” said Zaheer. “Right now the focus will be on the Sri Lanka [ODI] series. Being a fast bowler and the way my whole career has gone, often marred by injuries, I just want to do all the right things.”
The Sri Lanka tour marks the beginning of a long and exciting cricket season for the Indian cricket team. India will host New Zealand for a two-match Test and T20I series beginning the end of August after which they are scheduled to host England and Australia from November 2012 through to early 2013.
“I am looking forward to this season because England and Australia are coming [down to India]. I am very excited about playing 10 Test matches this season and I look forward to contributing in a big way,” he said.
Speaking on the emergence of young fast bowlers in the country, Zaheer struck an optimistic note. “There is enough talent in the country and you have the Ranji Trophy to back it. [The young fast bowlers] have to perform and come up. Whenever I get an opportunity — be it in the IPL or at the nets — I make sure I contribute in whichever way possible. I have been enjoying that [mentoring] role.”
India will play five One-Day Internationals and one T20 International on their tour to Sri Lanka.
