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The stage is set for Zaheer to deliver

By Vijay Lokapally

Zaheer Khan is ready to get back in the middle after missing the second Test. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

MELBOURNE DEC. 22. The Indians are riding on the strength of their fast bowling with Zaheer Khan in particular coming of age and beginning to change the course of the match with his aggressive attitude. By being aggressive, they don't indulge in sledging and abusing and join a family of fast bowlers who believe wickets can be had by just glaring at batsmen.

Zaheer is different. He need not throw tantrums to win a decision. The most important thing that he has understood on this tour is to remain positive, thanks to the inputs from bowling coach Bruce Reid. "I have gained a lot from Bruce's guidance. He's made a big impact on all of us,'' Zaheer admitted candidly.

When Javagal Srinath retired and Venkatesh Prasad fell out of favour despite some stirring performances, there was concern at the declining standards of fast bowlers in the country. Bowlers like Debasis Mohanty, Harvinder Singh, Tinu Yohanan, Iqbal Siddiqui, T. Kumaran, L.R. Shukla could not make it big. Zaheer leads a list of fast bowlers, which includes Ajit Agarkar, Ashish Nehra, L. Balaji and Irfan Pathan, who have shown the mettle to last on the big stage.

He is looking forward to the big day when he spearheads the Indian bowling challenge at Melbourne. The third Test beckons him to give his best when his team needs him most. He has dreamt of bowling at the imposing Melbourne Cricket Ground and the stage is now set for him.

Skipper Sourav Ganguly was confident Zaheer would be available for selection in the final eleven. The reports from the physiotherapist and trainer have been encouraging and the team management is pleased.

Zaheer, meanwhile, has been working hard on his fitness. "I feel much better and confident. I've worked hard on my return and am looking forward to bowling at the MCG,'' he said.

This is not Zaheer's first visit to Australia. He was here to attend a training course sponsored by MRF in 1999. "I came here when MRF sent me to Adelaide. I was supposed to play two matches but it didn't work out. Then I went as part of the academy team to Christchurch. It was a very different experience. But this time I have actually bowled on Australian tracks and am better prepared,'' he recalled.

"I do remember that I had not played any first-class cricket then. It was very early stage of my career. I had represented the Australian Academy in New Zealand. Their outlook, preparation was so different. They always talked of positive things. It was very different. That confidence helped me when I went to Baroda. I learnt to be positive and bowled with lot of confidence. It changed my attitude towards the game.''

His aggression on the field, which he makes no attempt to hide, sets him apart. "It (aggression) helps if you are a fast bowler. It's very important. At certain stages, when a partnership builds, you can't get bogged down, can't go through the motions. Aggression helps you keep coming at the batsmen. And I do it without crossing the limits.''

Does it become necessary for Zaheer to be aggressive? "For a bowler like me I think it is important to be aggressive. I look for wickets and not just contain. When the captain tosses the ball to me he expects a wicket and by being aggressive I stay in focus.''

In a short time, Zaheer has learnt to shoulder responsibility with support coming from all quarters. He described it aptly, "we're one unit. We've been clicking like one unit and that has really made an impact. Of course, I may appear to be shouldering more responsibility but that does not alter my style of bowling. It was the same when Srinath was around. I always looked to take wickets, to have a go at the batsmen. I know it helps the team when I strike my rhythm early. I'm enjoying this responsibility. The added responsibility is because of Srinath's absence. But then every one else is doing his job.''

How much has Zaheer enjoyed bowling overseas? "A lot. Outside India, the pitches are more conducive. In South Africa, New Zealand, England, Australia the wind is always blowing and that helps the bowler a lot. Then there is good bounce. Even if the ball is not doing much off the pitch and in the air, the carry is there. You learn with experience. You learn these things with experienced bowlers. I do talk to people and share my experience with my colleagues.''

A county contract beckons him next season. He is game because it will help him become a complete fast bowler. "My family has always been very supportive. They're happy when India wins and concerned when we don't perform. We enjoy each other's company. I'm a normal person and nothing has changed for me and my family because of fame and money,'' said Zaheer.

He holds the key to India achieving its goal of a first ever Test series win in Australia. Zaheer is geared to perform the role he has been assigned, unless of course, he fails the fitness test on the day of reckoning.

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