05 October,2010 07:17 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Ishant Sharma, the chief tormentor of Australia's batting yesterday, is at his best when Zaheer Khan is around, according to Ashish Nehra. Fast bowlers hunt in pairs, but that chestnut is all the more relevant with regard to the duo of Ishant and Zaheer. Ishant has struggled to find rhythm in the absence of Zaheer. In eight Tests without Zaheer by his side, he has 23 wickets at 44.00. With Zaheer around, he has 53 wickets in 19 Tests at 33.00.
Clearly, Nehra knows a thing or two about Ishant. "I have been noticing this. Ishant's rhythm goes to another level when Zaheer is bowling at the other end. He is the sort of bowler who needs to be instilled with confidence, and Zaheer is very good at doing that," Nehra told MiD DAY. "Somebody like Zaheer - who has so much knowledge and expertise behind him - is a boon to have at the other end for a youngster. It makes a huge difference, just like when Javagal Srinath was around when Zaheer and I burst onto the scene."
"Also, Zaheer is very good at picking out the little flaws in a bowler, so if Ishant is going wrong anywhere, there isn't anyone better to have around," the 31-year old said.
Asked if he was ready to return to Tests, Nehra said: "The selectors have been very cooperative. I had objected to playing Tests, but would keen on reconsidering my decision in the future, if my body copes up well. We have some big tours in the next 18 months - to South Africa, England and Australia, so if the need be, I will be more than happy to serve the team at the Test level," a veteran of 107 ODIs, Nehra concluded.
India could very well go on to lose the Mohali Test, but a spring in the stride for Ishant is a positive sign going into the final Test at Bangalore next week.
Ishant Sharma (when Zaheer Khan is around):-
Tests: 19, Wickets: 53, Ave: 33
Ishant Sharma (when Zaheer Khan isn't around):-
Tests: 8, Wickets: 23, Ave: 44
