Published: Nov 29, 2013, 03:04 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 29, 2013, 03:04 PM (IST)
Nov 29, 2013
Chaminda Vaas, the former Sri Lankan pacer, has said that Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has done well to make a comeback for the tour to South Africa.
Zaheer returned to the Indian Test squad after almost a year in the wilderness after having regained his form and fitness.
Speaking to the media at an event organised by Wills Realtors in Mumbai, Vaas said, “Two years ago, I thought he will finish his cricket. However, he has come back strongly. He was very keen to get back. He knows his ability and knows what to expect. For a fast bowler, patience is important.”
Zaheer is 35-years-old and he may not have many years of cricket ahead of him. However, Vaas believes that as long as one is flexible, one can carry on. “We do look at the age. If you play even at 35-36 and if you are flexible, there is no problem. Age is not a barrier. Sir Richard Hadlee played till he was 39. Zaheer can play for [another] two or three years,” Vaas believes.
In 2006, Zaheer had made a comeback to the Indian team during the tour to South Africa and that came at the back of a very successful county stint. Vaas too has played a lot of county cricket and spoke about its importance for a sub-continental bowler.
He said, “It is not easy as you may play games during six out of the seven days in the week and this goes on for a few months. There are different competitions such as the County Championships, the one-day cup and the T20 Cup. But, once you play, you do get the important experience.”
