Canberra: India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan wants to make a difference this time in Australia after being let down by injuries on his previous two trips.
The 33-year-old Zaheer, who has just 10 wickets from three Tests in Australia, said he wants to atone for his past performance. He is determined to be the factor that decides the Test series against the hosts, starting on Monday in Melbourne.
“This tour is very important for me,” said Zaheer, who has 273 wickets from 79 Tests at 31.78.
“I want to be the factor which makes the difference as there are so many expectations on me. The way I see it, it all worked out perfectly fine, because I had a four-month break so I could prepare well for this series,” he was quoted as saying by Fox Sports. The left-arm pacer hoped to stay away from injuries this time.
“In the past, it used to be at the end of the season that I would go to Australia and break down. I am really looking forward to joining the team and to playing my part, and also to helping the youngsters and guiding them in whatever way I can,” he said.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said Australians love playing mind-games but the Indian cricket team would be ready for them in the upcoming Test series.
“One of the first point made in a team meeting was that they would try and come at you. You would have to be mentally strong and be calm and show (your stuff) with bat or ball,” said Ojha on Wednesday. (Agencies)