Zaheer wants to use slower ball in World Cup

MUMBAI: He is India's pace spearhead but Zaheer Khan wants to use the slower ball as a weapon during next month's World Cup cricket in the West Indies.

Slower ball can be an "invaluable asset" on wickets such as those in the West Indies that are not responsive to fast bowlers, said the left-handed fast medium bowler who has been in excellent form since making a comeback to the team.

Zaheer also underlined the importance of cutting down on extras as vital to Team India's campaign in the World Cup hours before of the team's departure to the West Indies.

"I think it would be absolutely key to team's plan to cut down on extras in the World Cup," Zaheer said.

"When you overstep or bowl wide, you present the opposition with an extra ball and a run which can have a huge influence in the outcome of the game."

Zaheer's recent run is a testimony of how closely he follows the belief he advocates so strongly. The Mumbai paceman has played 10 one-day matches since the tour to South Africa and conceded just nine wides and two no-balls, a shade over an extra a match.

Zaheer has experienced the entire gamut of emotions in his career of seven years during which he made a fairytale debut, rose to be the front rank bowler before injuries and poor form, not to speak of indifference by the team management, appeared to have ground his career to a halt.
 
He has now reclaimed the position in the side and his insights on the eve of his second representation in World Cups speak about a man in know of his craft.