Bowling standards have not fallen: Zaheer

September 25, 2016 01:19 am | Updated November 01, 2016 08:43 pm IST - KANPUR:

Zaheer Khan.

Zaheer Khan.

Even as batsmen dominate bowlers the world over, Zaheer Khan is not convinced the standards of wicket-taking have slumped.

“I won’t say bowling standards have fallen. It all depends on how quickly you adapt and understand the situations of the game. How you make use of the conditions,” the former India speedster, here as a television commentator, told The Hindu .

“Look at this game. The first two days were evenly balanced. India scored 300-plus and New Zealand threatened to go past that total, but the bowlers pulled it back nicely.

“That’s what Test cricket is all about. How much you stay calm, what character you show as a team and as an individual over five days,” said Zaheer.

Teams and reputations are not built overnight. Zaheer’s was a steady rise. “It (bowling) has always been evolving. Ten years down the line, the same questions will be asked.

“Different formats and tactics have come into play. The nature of the pitches has changed too. The equipment — be it bats, balls — all have been changing. Fifty years back it was different. It’s an ongoing process.”

Always a tough task

Wicket-taking, believes Zaheer, was always tough. “If you ask the bowlers from earlier times they will say the same. Ten years down the line they will say the same.

“What stays constant is the challenge, the battle to fox the batsmen. Players sort out strategies and innovate.

“T20 has added different dimensions to the game. Batters and bowlers are looking to innovate. Next you might see fielders throwing equally with left and right arms, bowlers becoming ambidextrous.”

Modern bowlers will have to absorb pressure. It comes with the job. “Scrutiny has always been there,” opines Zaheer.

“At the Test level it is about proving yourself in different conditions. For bowlers or batters, the challenge will be to be equipped to deal with the situations. Bowlers must produce wickets when they count.”

To be a good bowler in modern cricket, Zaheer expects strict discipline and work ethic. “It is a combination of temperament and skills. As I played more and more matches I would talk to more and more players. I would speak a lot to batsmen and observe the game because certain deliveries would work in particular situations.

“I would set short terms and sometimes they would not work. But it was a process that I followed. I never really paid much attention to the result.”

Bowling long spells

The ability to bowl long spells can add to the bowler’s strength. “Actually it is very individualistic. It is about knowing your body, spacing your strength. It all comes from understanding. Fitness also plays a crucial part.

“You have to enjoy the challenge. For me it was the high of being out there. Bowling gave me the high always. I would look to achieving small goals, within the spells, during the day’s play.

“That’s what I advocate to the current bowlers. Keep your mind ticking because players mature early in current times. You will have greater impact on the game and your career will be long.

“You must have an open mind to learning new things each day on the field.”

Subcontinental conditions

In Zaheer’s opinion, conditions in the subcontinent dictate your approach. “You may need to bowl long spells to help the others. It is a team game and not just about yourself. Remember there is someone bowling at the other end, too.

“Constant discussions help, but it varies with individuals. For me it was natural. I would approach the players and discuss things. It helped me a lot and I tried this with others.

“But there are some bowlers who like to be in their zone, some batsmen who like to be left in their zone. Some may want to discuss. Depends from person to person.”

Zaheer had praise for the Indian team. “It is all about wining matches. At the end of the day your approach should suit what is the best option for your team.

“It depends on how you learn and the challenges you set for yourself. Team India on the whole has been enjoying an upward curve.”

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