‘I am some distance away from my best’

Zaheer Khan’s 10-wicket match haul sunk Bangladesh in the second Test but the Indian spearhead believes he is still some distance away from attaining his peak bowling fitness.

Zaheer Khan’s 10-wicket match haul sunk Bangladesh in the second Test but the Indian spearhead believes he is still some distance away from attaining his peak bowling fitness.

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Zaheer, who underwent surgery in his shoulder in August last, said the injury-layoff allowed him to work on his bowling but he was not at his best yet. “Lot of things in bowling come from experience. I started late in my career and was out of the side due to injuries,” Zaheer said after scripting India's 10-wicket victory in the second Test.

“I think injuries helped me work on my bowling. I was fortunate that I could work on my bowling and make a comeback,” he said.

Zaheer's sterling performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series Awards but the left-arm seamer said he could get even better. “(I have) still a long way to go on my fitness. But to get back from the injury and bowling well is satisfying. I have started the season on a positive note and I am looking forward.

“An important series (against South Africa) is coming up and I am looking forward to do well,” said the pacer.

“I am happy with my first 10 wickets in a Test. I am in a zone where I am relaxed with my body and mind are in sync.”