Tamil Nadu bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji sounded relaxed and confident on the eve of his Test debut against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
The right-arm medium-pacer is making a comeback of sorts after a not-so-impressive game against the West Indies in the fifth Limited Overs International at Vadodara in 2002-03 when he was walloped by the calypso cricketers.
Speaking to rediff.com, Balaji said he has no specific preparation or plan for the game. "I will just my enjoy my bowling," he said.
Everybody in the team, including the coach, congratulated him on being selected, Balaji said.
The 22 year-old staked his claim for a Test berth with consistent performances on the domestic circuit. He also performed well in the Challenger series, with one of his scalps being the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.
In the Irani Trophy, Balaji again proved his mettle with four wickets in the match and a gutsy 26 in the second innings against a disciplined Mumbai attack.
Asked if he was nervous, considering that his debut against the West Indies was not up to the mark, he said, "It is all part of the game. The important thing is not to repeat the mistakes again.
"My mental strength and confidence in my bowling helped me make a comeback into the Indian team."
Balaji promised to try and continue his good showing so far in this season. "I will just bowl my normal length and try to carry on my good performance in the Test series," he said.
If he does that, the Kiwis had better watch out.
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