Zaheer's back in swing of things

Indian left-arm-seamer Zaheer Khan has had a raw deal with injuries during big tours and major events. He had to return from
Australia in 2003 and 2007. He also had to come back from Pakistan during that momentous tour in 2004 after playing in just the first Test in Multan.

He missed India's victorious campaign in South Africa during the 2007 World Twenty20 because of a heel problem. So when he got injured during the IPL while playing for Mumbai Indians, just a month before the 2009 World T20 began, he must have been thinking, "Oh, no. Not again!"

Zaheer was worried when he suffered the shoulder injury on May 3. "When I fell, I was a bit scared till the scan results were out. I didn't know whether the injury was serious or not. Once the scan results were out, I was pretty confident," the left-arm-seamer, who won the Man of the Match award for his four wickets for 19 runs in three overs against Ireland at Trent Bridge here on Wednesday, said.

Apart from confidence, the 31-year old could also be justified in feeling relieved.

"It was a narrow escape for me. It could have been worse. I was lucky to miss just four weeks of action. The good thing is there is nothing serious that has happened to the shoulder," Zaheer said.

Zaheer has enjoyed his time out in England. His career underwent a renaissance during the county season of 2006, when he plied his trade for Worcestershire. He rediscovered his zeal for cricket after being poorly treated and managed during the Greg Chappell regime.

In July 2007, he bowled India to a famous victory at Trent Bridge in the second Test of the three-match series. India won that series 1-0 and Zaheer was also Man-of-the-Series for picking up 18 wickets. What is it about England and Trent Bridge that brings out the best in him?

"I really enjoy bowling in England, especially on this wicket. There is always something in it for the fast bowlers here. You have favourite grounds and favourite venues which bring back happy memories. It helps you perform better at those venues," was Zaheer's reasoning.

The game against Ireland was Zaheer's second of the tournament. Fans who watched him apply ice packs on his left shoulder during practice on Monday will now be relieved and confident that he is back to full fitness. "It was the second game for me and it was important for me to pick up wickets. I feel confident after this performance," he said.

He ran in, extracted movement and troubled the top-order. If he continues this kind of form and fitness, his dream of playing in a World championship winning XI will be fulfilled.

While Zaheer was part of the side that reached the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, he hasn't really been a part of a World Cup-winning side.

Does he regret not going to South Africa in 2007 as he was in great form in the series preceding the tourney, in England? "There's no use thinking about that. It was unfortunate that I opted out of the last World Cup. But that was the right decision at that moment and I am happy to be a part of this team this time," Zaheer said.
Source:www.cricket.timesofindia.com