Back on track,Varun Aaron resumes training

Aaron has been sidelined since December 2011 with a stress fracture in his lower back.

For the past 13 months,Varun Aaron has been unable to do the one thing he loves more than anything else: clutch a ball in his hand,steam in and ping it in at over 140kph. But since Monday,the pacer says that a little bit of cheer has been restored to his life. 8220;Since this week I have started bowling. I hadn8217;t touched a ball for six months and a couple of days ago when I bowled for a little while in the nets,even though off a shortened run-up,it was a very encouraging sign for me personally,8221; he says.

Aaron has been sidelined since December 2011 with a stress fracture in his lower back. Consequently,the pacer,who has three wickets from one Test and six wickets from four ODI appearances,missed out on India8217;s tour to Australia. He played eight games for Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2012 but the injury flared up again and since then,he has done little more than go under a surgeon8217;s knife and go through an extensive rehabilitation program.

In March,Aaron underwent surgery on the L5 disc in his lower back and was given a six-month recovery window. Before and after the surgery,Aaron says that his extended stint on the sidelines was quite a challenging experience. 8220;Over the past year,there have been periods of frustration. I understand that I had no control over the injury once it happened,but the wait definitely plays on your mind,8221; he says.

A fast bowler who can consistently bowl in the 140s is considered something of a premium commodity in Indian cricket,but there are quite a few examples of bowlers who bowled at high pace losing their speed after suffering injuries and enduring lengthy rehab programmes. Aaron says that the idea of him losing a few kph of pace is something he has not even considered. 8220;Right now,my back is in great shape. My body is feeling good and I am absolutely confident that I am going to bowl at high speed. Self belief after this injury is key. I am still confident about doing well at the highest level,8221; he says.

A decent showing from the fast men played an important role in India8217;s recent Champions Trophy success. Considering the form of the current crop of India8217;s pacers,isn8217;t it difficult for Aaron to force his way back into the reckoning? 8220;I am really happy that guys like Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are doing well. But if I just think about how well everyone8217;s doing,then I don8217;t think I will be able to play much cricket. I am confident that with a fit body,I can force my way back in,8221; he says.