We will get Malik, says Balaji

Laxmipathy Balaji says Pakistani middle order batsman Shoaib Malik might have proved to be a nightmare in recent matches, but it won't be long before the Indians have the measure of him.

"(Shoaib) Malik has done well against us in the last two games but once we regain our rhythm we would be able to get the measure of him," Balaji said in Amsterdam on Thursday.

India may have had poor returns from the tri-nation cricket tournament in Holland but Balaji is not complaining, personally.

The 22-year old Tamil Nadu seamer picked six wickets for an average of 7.83 from two innings the Indian bowlers have had a chance to bowl and made an impressive comeback after being dropped from the team in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month.

"I put it down to hard work and a little adjustment I did in my bowling," Balaji said on rediscovering his form that marked him out a special talent on the tours of Australia and Pakistan.

"I changed my run-up and the little inside and got back to high-arm action.

"I looked at my bowling action when I went back home and saw my head was falling away. I tried to correct that and bowl with a straight arm," said Balaji, his famous smile back on his face.

Balaji and Irfan Pathan have formed a good new-ball combination in less than a year and the youngster feels it is because the two compliment each other well.

"We do discuss a lot before the match on how to bowl to each batsman. But we bring out different strengths into play -- it is like a partnership between Sehwag and Sachin and Dravid and Laxman in batting."

Balaji said he is not trying to experiment too much with his bowling and is trying to stick to the basics.

"That's what I am trying to do, stick to the basics. I am trying to bowl the right channel and the right line and length.

"It is a learning experience to bowl to world class batsmen and quite different from what you do in domestic cricket," commented Balaji.

Balaji said he had put in a lot of hard work in the last three years and it was beginning to pay dividends.

"I have put in a lot of hard work in the past three years. It is not easy to come and perform at this level.

"It is a difficult task as there is a lot of competition in India. But when you go to the field, you try to put more than 100 per cent because expectations are so high."