04 December,2010 06:22 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Zaheer khan is looking to use today's ODI against NZ to hit top rhythm ahead of the South Africa tour
Zaheer 'Zak" Khan rarely gives the impression of a nimble fast bowler who can spring up and down 22 yards relentlessly for his skipper. He thrives on the different skills in his possession with the ball in hand, comparable to a ballroom dancer who is entirely at ease with his partner.
That's not to say he is not 100 per cent committed to his team's cause. It means he needs to work a little less hard for his wickets thanks to his remarkable ability of making the ball talk.
Some get wickets via intimidation, some via strategy, but Zaheer gets his scalps through sheer skill. He is married to his ball.
When in top rhythm, he is the most devastating bowler in world cricket. It may be recalled that Zaheer made a comeback to international cricket after a long layoff when India last toured South Africa. Four years later, the 32-year old will spearhead the attack as India attempt to seal a maiden Test series win in the Rainbow Nation.
In an attempt to get his pulse rising ahead of the all-important tour, Zaheer will play today's one-dayer against New Zealand at the venue he played most of his initial first-class cricket for Baroda, the Reliance Stadium.
India coach Gary Kirsten requested the selection committee to include Zaheer in the team for the low-intensity NZ ODIs, stating that it was essential for the left-armer to get match-fit before departing to South Africa in a week's time.
"I am fit and raring to go. The ball is coming out nicely from the hand and I hope to get some wickets," Zaheer told MiD DAY after a strenuous workout yesterday afternoon.
Lot better
"I spent some time at National Cricket Academy (NCA in Bangalore) after the Test series and I am feeling a lot better now. I think I am ready for the South Africa tour. It is important to get into rhythm in this series (against New Zealand)," he added.
India skipper Gautam Gambhir said the absence of practice games in South Africa ahead of first Test influenced the decision to recall Zaheer: "Any bowling he does in this series will be useful to him before South Africa. It will provide him with good match-practice as we are not playing any practice games there. Any captain would love to have him in the team." And India will be hoping he can unleash the Zak Attack on the Kiwis in a prelude to the Safari trip.
Vadodara diary by Sai Mohan
>> Yesterday afternoon, some local school kids among others were shooting a photograph of Yuvraj Singh. Just as this was happening, Yuvraj asked everyone to stop clicking, took a breather to do his hair, and asked the 'cameramen': "Don't you know how to shoot properly? Wait, let me pose for you." It was truly a priceless moment. This only reinforces the view that Yuvraj is meant to be a Bollywood superstar.
>> Yusuf Pathan is all set to play his first one-day international in his hometown today. A jubilant Pathan told MiD DAY: "Obviously, I am very excited about the game. It would be an emotional moment to play here. I leave it all to the almighty. If I succeed, it will be thanks to him.
I am not having any high expectations." Asked about clearing the short boundaries here, Pathan laughed and said: "Hopefully, I can clear the ropes. I am not thinking about the World Cup just yet. I just want to try and seize this chance."
