The Hindu : Sport : Munaf Patel has made rapid strides

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006
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Munaf Patel has made rapid strides

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: PTI

TOUGH CUSTOMER: Munaf Patel wants to concentrate on line and length rather than pace. — PHOTO: PTI

Kuala Lumpur: Munaf Patel has made rapid strides in his first year of international cricket. The rangy 23-year-old was India's best seamer in the Tests against the West Indies, where he throttled back on pace — his USP before selection — and married control. Munaf could still produce a spell of quick bowling (87-92 mph) when needed, but crucially he could manage just fine without it.

In India's two games here, he has bowled better than his figures would suggest — Indian captain Rahul Dravid rated his spell in the opener against West Indies high; Australian skipper Ricky Ponting had words of praise for Munaf's efforts against his side.

Munaf spoke to newspersons after India's practice session on Monday.

(Excerpts):

On his method for the Kinrara Oval track:

It's got a bit of bounce, so it's important to put it in the right areas. The bowlers who've done best have concentrated on control. There's no point just bowling fast because the boundaries here are short, and the pace can be used by the batsmen.

On learning from McGrath:

I've learnt that McGrath bowls line and length; he doesn't have great pace. But, his accuracy is excellent. I've spoken to him and will chat with him again. In fact all the bowlers are going to meet him.

On Mitchell Johnson:

He put it in the right areas and the rain made it skid on as well.

On reverse swing:

It doesn't happen as much with the white ball. The red ball reverse swings more because it is used for 90 overs while the white is used for 50.

On opening the attack:

It's not in my hands. The captain and the coach make that decision.

On the merits of a right-left bowling attack:

There isn't much to say on that. It doesn't matter if you're right arm or left arm, you've got to bowl it in the proper areas.

On whether he is satisfied with his performances:

I am, but I'd like to continue to meet the demands of the team.

On his days as an opening batsman:

That was club cricket in my village. This is quite different.

On his lessons from Kuala Lumpur:

It's just rained here!

On how life has changed:

I'm living the same life.

On whether his mates ask him to bowl fast:

Yes, they do. But, I'd like to concentrate on my line and length. I shouldn't stray all over the place. I can bowl quick; I'd rather bowl with control.

On whether he can understand coach Greg Chappell:

I have no problems. I manage to interact with him.

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