News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Rediff.com  » Sports » Zaheer eyes Champions Trophy

Zaheer eyes Champions Trophy

Source: PTI
August 08, 2006 20:53 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

As his name does the rounds as one of the probables for the Champions Trophy, left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan says he is optimistic of earning a call-up for the premier one-day competition.

After missing out on the home series against England, the tour of West Indies and the forthcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka, Zaheer, currently plying his trade for English county Worcestershire, is quietly optimistic of a comeback at the Champions Trophy.

"I was very disappointed not to be picked for the England series, but I've left that behind. That's why I have decided to come here [Worcestershire] and perform. My answer to everything is performance. I've just decided to keep performing," said the Baroda seamer.

"I was expecting a recall for the Sri Lanka series but things didn't happen," he said.

However, the left-arm paceman, has not given up and is patiently biding his time.

"You just have to be patient. The good thing is, I have more matches here to stay in touch. The Champions Trophy and the South Africa tour are two big series that I am gearing up for," he told Cricinfo magazine.

Zaheer, whose career has been plagued by injuries, said bowling long spells in county cricket had helped his fitness.

"It [fitness] was one of the main reasons why I came here. I've been bowling a lot of overs [an average of 20 overs per innings) and that's helped in picking up my fitness level. It's added to my confidence as well," he said.

"The weather here is a big factor. The pitches you get here are totally different from India. There you rely a lot more on getting the ball to reverse. Here the conditions are more helpful, the ball does more if it's overcast," added Zaheer.

 

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024