Indian bowling coach Eric Simmons shows support for Zaheer and Ishant
Eric Simmons, the India’s bowling coach, has appreciated, the fast bowler, Zaheer Khan’s ability to cope up with expected injuries.
Earlier, the 32-years old, Zaheer, who was outstanding with his bowling during the recent World Cup, did not visit West Indies with his national side because of the ankle injury.
“He (Zaheer) also understands his body really well. He picks up on niggles very early. At times something could have grown more serious, but he picked it up early and pulled himself off. He has the ability to fix things.” Simmons
stated.
According to the bowling coach, it was necessary for the fast bowler to take break from cricket after following hectic schedule, participated in the Indian Premium League (IPL) right after the ICC World Cup 2011.
The Maharashtra-born pacer represented his country in 78 test matches, took 271 wickets with the economy rate of 3.29.
He also played 191 One Day Internationals (ODI) for India, picked 273 wickets, and setting his best bowling performance at 5 wickets for 42 runs.
Meanwhile, Simmons rated young fast bowler, Ishant Sharma as their strike bowler for the upcoming series against England.
“If he bowls with the control he has got now, Ishant can be a real handful in England. He has obviously got the height.” He said.
The India’s bowling adviser thinks that the 22-years old pacer has grown up as confident bowler, who has complete control over his line and length.
However, he advised him to work hard to control no-balls while trying to generate extra pace, which will provide him more confidence.
“I think now he’ll start bowling consistently at 140kph, 141, 142, and that’s just going to add to his strength. The only thing is he can drift down leg now and then, but it is a minor issue,” Simmons expressed.
Sharma was spot on during the recent test series against the Caribbean team, disturb opponent’s batting line up by sealing 22 wickets.
He served his home side in 33 test matches and 47 One Day Internationals, grabbed 106 and 64 wickets respectively.