MUMBAI: Umesh Yadav is on the comeback trail and keen to use the Ranji Trophy game against Mumbai as preparation for the South Africa tour. The Vidarbha pacer played last for India in the ODI series in West Indies last July but lost his place due to indifferent form.
“For every fast bowler match practice is very important. There will be lot of bounce on South African wickets; so this match against Mumbai will be a good preparation on a probably helpful wicket here. Ranji games are good practice for me on the fitness and skill aspect,“ Yadav said ahead of the clash at here.
Yadav, like Zaheer Khan, hasn't played Test cricket for over a year. He was at his best in the first Test against England last year before missing the rest of the matches and the home series against Australia with a back injury.
He made his comeback in the Indian Test squad against West Indies but didn't get a game. Now he is keeping his fingers crossed for the South Africa tour.
“Anything can happen. We have spinners who can extract turn on any wicket. It would be good if I get a chance, but the composition and balance of the team is vital. Right now I am bowling well and feeling fine. I have already played two Ranji games. It takes time to get into rhythm, but I am feeling much better. The more I play I will be able to get into top rhythm,“ he said.
Yadav said he would focus on line and length and not think too much about conditions in South Africa. “Mentally I will be ready to bowl to a length, which could be three-quarter and around the off stump. I am focused on this aspect. Bowling wicket to wicket is very important in Test match cricket,“ he said.
Yadav was happy to meet senior pro Zaheer on the day . “We met after a long time today. He enquired about my fitness and advised me to concentrate on line and length," the Vidarbha lad said.
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