Sport - Cricket

It’s been a good break: Irfan Pathan

Bangalore: A sense of relief is evident in Irfan Pathan’s countenance.

The left-arm seamer, who had a rough time in the Asia Cup at Karachi picking up three wickets from three matches and conceding 71.66 runs per dismissal on flat pitches, has been training at the National Cricket Academy from last Thursday and he termed the stint as refreshing.

“It’s been a good break here and very refreshing. I have been quietly working on my fitness and other aspects. You need these breaks for strengthening because when you are playing you hardly get time for strengthening and recovery.

“Some of the sessions here have been tough and I am happy with the progress I have made. It’s also nice to be here and train. Nice to be away from all the attention,” Irfan said.

On his low-key performance in the Asia Cup, Irfan said: “It’s bound to happen. As a bowler when you are coming back from injury, you do struggle a bit and you cannot perform right away.

“I knew that I will be picked for the big games and I did try hard but it was difficult coming back from injury and add to it the absolute flat wickets! But then you do get that off-series when you struggle a bit. It is part of being a cricketer.”

Irfan, however, is confident of wending his way back to the team. “The team management has trust in me and backed me; I am looking at the big picture.

“I am confident about my bowling and batting and this stint at the NCA has helped me a lot. These breaks are critical for a cricketer,” Irfan said. — Principal Correspondent

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu