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For Laxmipathy Balaji, the return to international cricket has been tough.

Playing only his sixth Test, the medium pacer claimed his first five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 312 in the first innings of the first Test against India [ Images ] at Mohali on Tuesday.

The visibly elated bowler said he was really pleased with his performance.

"I am happy to have bowled the way I have. Domestic cricket helped me get my confidence back. I was in very good rhythm today and this is how I hope to keep bowling."

The right-arm medium pacer from Tamil Nadu missed India's last eight Tests after suffering a lower abdominal strain during the NatWest series against England [ Images ] last year and needed months of physiotherapy to get back on the road.

"It was a very difficult time and I am glad it is behind me now. I worked on a change in action with [Australian bowling legend] Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation.

"Lillee had a similar injury in the eighties. A change in action will help ensure that I avoid another injury like this," he said.

The new SG ball that is being used for the ongoing Test has a more pronounced seam and Balaji believes it helps the bowlers.

"Yes, definitely, it does. We get more movement of the pitch and more bounce as well. On a pitch like this you need to bang the ball in. There was a lot of moisture for the first one hour but it disappeared thereafter."

Balaji's previous best of 4 for 63 in 2003/04 at Rawalpindi was also against Pakistan.

"I like bowling against them. I like the competition. On a wicket like this, bowling is all about control on line and length. That is the key."