Zaheer, Jaffer happy to be in squad

CUTTACK: Paceman Zaheer Khan and opener Wasim Jaffer on Monday expressed happiness on their selection in the South Africa-bound Indian team for the one-day series, saying they would work to justify their inclusion in the team.

Zaheer, who is making a come back to the national team after consistent performance in the English county and the domestic circuit, said "I will definitely justify my selection".

"I am obviously happy to be back. At the same time, I'm aware of my responsibility," he said.

Zaheer, who scalped four wickets in the Duleep Trophy match against Sri Lanka 'A' here, said his experience in South African conditions should be a great help.

"I have been there (South Africa) two or three times. I have some idea as to what to expect (there). My county experience will also help," he added.

Out of the national team since February, the left-arm medium pacer described the upcoming series as an "important tour".

He said he was confident of living up to the peoples' expectation and dealing with the pressure factor. "There will always be pressure."

Jaffer, yet to play in an one-day international, celebrated his place in the team by hitting a polished 129 against Sri Lanka 'A' in the Duleep Trophy match here though West Zone went down by 195 runs.

"I will be going to South Africa for the first time. I will see how the wickets behave there and play accordingly," he said.

"There is always pressure in international cricket. But my hope is to play an important role for the country," the Mumbai opener said adding "it is an important tour for me".