Zaheer’s fitness cause of concern for team

Zaheer has impressed one and all with his performance since his return to international cricket last November and is seen as the central figure in achieving India’s long-cherished aim of a maiden Test series victory Down Under.

After his stint with Worcestershire, a transformed Zaheer picked up 13 wickets at 30.38 from three Tests against South Africa in the away series and gave England a dose of their own medicine to grab 18 wickets at 20.33 in three matches.

So good was Zaheer against England on their own turf that the home batsmen had then conceded that it was almost impossible to pick his line and movement.

He picked up eight wickets from two Tests against Bangladesh (21.88), and five against Pakistan from two matches (38.20).

The Mumbai bowler has also claimed 40 wickets from 34 one-dayers since last year.

However, Zaheer’s previous trip to Australia was not a happy one even though he picked up a five-wicket haul in the opening Test in Brisbane.

The speedster, who was not fit enough, then played the second Test in Melbourne only to return sorry figures of none for 103. He took no further part in the series.

Zaheer’s fitness worries could force the team management to get in touch with the Indian board to send in lanky Munaf Patel as replacement for the first Test.

Patel, who missed the Bangalore Test against Pakistan due to injury, has been declared fit though the board has advised him to play domestic games before putting his hand up for selection.

Munaf is the 17th member of the side and presently a stand-by.