Munaf blueprint for Brian Lara

Though Patel’s strategy seems too elementary, a reality check shows that nagging line and length seem to be the only way past the West Indian great’s guard. With the pin-prefect Glenn McGrath getting out Lara out 14 times in 31 Tests, it shows Patel has done his homework.

Now the big question is: Can Patel be on the spot all the time and at the same time not compromise on his pace? Patel, who unlike his fellow pacer S. Sreesanth didn’t go to his alma matre the MRF Pace Academy at Chennai during the break, feels that ‘‘getting the balance right will be on the top of his agenda in the West Indies.’’

Though he didn’t make the Chennai trip, Patel has worked on his ODI bowling style. ‘‘I had a couple of problems in the one-dayers, that I have sorted out,’’ he says without actually specifying those areas.

His long-time coach at MRF, TA Sekar, spells out the areas that Munaf should concentrate on in the shorter version. ‘‘At times he had a problem on length, he even bowled on the legs. If he delivers six perfect ones in an over, he can pose problems for Lara,’’ he says. But the former Test pacer also adds that ‘‘Munaf, coming with a plan isn’t the end of the matter, the team management too has to endorse it.’’

Sekar waits eagerly to see Munaf bowl in the Tests where he says the pacer will be more effective as he has two vital weapons.

‘‘One, he has a good bouncer and he is also very effective with the reverse swing,’’ he explains. Sekar adds that since the outfield at the venues in the West Indies aren’t really well-maintained there are chances that the ball will get old fast and that’s when Munaf can be very deadly. As if to drive home the point, Sekar adds again that above all ‘‘length will be very important’’.

Munaf will be wiser after the wardrobe malfunction at Mumbai. If the length isn’t right, one misses the photo opportunity.

–sandeep.dwivedi@expressindia.com