Nehra hopes to come good in Sri Lanka

Two years after a forgettable Test debut in Sri Lanka, Indian medium-pacer Ashish Nehra is hoping to make a forceful contribution second time around.

Left-arm Nehra, 22, is expected to be a key member of a youthful bowling attack in the Indian cricket squad which leaves on Monday for a one-day tri-nations series.

India will face New Zealand and the hosts in the tournament starting on Wednesday before playing a three-match Test series.

As an unknown considered a surprise choice for a drawn Test against Sri Lanka in February 1999, Nehra took only one wicket and been in the sidelines of the national team since.

But consistent performances in domestic matches won him selection for the just-ended tour of Zimbabwe, where he emerged the most successful Indian bowler taking 11 wickets for the frugal average of 11.72 runs.

Those performances also helped him force his way into the one-day side for a tri-nations series against the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

"Zimbabwe was a good tour. I learned a lot and gained much experience," Nehra said on Sunday.

Nehra, who bowled sharply on helpful pitches on the African tour, said it would be tougher on the slower pitches in Sri Lanka.

"In Sri Lanka, the pitches are batsmen friendly. Run scoring chances are much better. But I am confident of taking wickets to help India win in both one-dayers and the Tests," he said.

Nehra had struggled with his fitness since his Sri Lankan debut, but he underwent surgery in Surrey, England to rectify a right ankle injury a year ago before working on his fitness.

"I have improved by fitness which has helped me a lot. But I am not worried about injuries. Injuries are part and parcel of a fast bowler's career," he said.

TARGET JAYASURIYA

Nehra, who managed only four wickets in the four one-day games he played in Zimbabwe, spent Sunday afternoon working with Tarak Sinha, the veteran coach who has guided him since childhood.

The bowler focused on ways to counter Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya, whose explosive batting will be a big worry for the Indians.

"Today I was talking to him about how to bowl to Jayasuriya. He is one of the most difficult batsmen to bowl," Sinha said. "He has also been working on bowling the slower ball and the yorker which are crucial for one-dayers."

Sinha predicted that his ward will touch his best in South Africa, where India are scheduled to play a three-test series once their Sri Lankan tour ends in the first week of September.

"His best will come there, the wickets are more responsive," he added.

With their 31-year-old pace spearhead Javagal Srinath opting out of one-day games to preserve himself for Tests, Nehra and fellow left-armer Zaheer Khan will have their job cut out in Sri Lanka.

Mail Cricket Editor