Durban hero Zaheer Khan wants grassy track for third Test at Cape Town

Zaheer Khan wants grassy track in Cape Town

Durban hero Zaheer Khan wants grassy track for third Test at Cape Town

While India's bowlers barely managed to take just four wickets in a little over 130 overs against South Africa during the first Test at Centurion, there was talk that India's attack was toothless in the absence of spearhead, Zaheer Khan.

These calls were firmly established on the second day here at Kingsmead as South Africa were shot out for 131, which in turn handed India a 87-run series-levelling victory yesterday. Zaheer, who has already influenced India's overseas victories at Headingley, Johannesburg and Nottingham in the last decade, added a new feather to his cap.

Talking about the Durban triumph, Zaheer told MiD DAY at the team hotel late last evening: "From a team's point-of-view, we had to bounce back after the big loss at Centurion, and we did exactly that. I am very happy with the effort.

"What made it even more special was that it was a low-scoring game, and we had to fight really hard for the victory. South Africa is a top side and fight till the finish. As a team, it is even more pleasing because everyone chipped in. Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh) batted superbly in the first innings. Then of course, VVS in the second innings was fantastic.

"Sreesanth bowled really well in the second innings. It was a great team effort," he added.

Asked to compare this victory to the one in Nottingham in 2007, 'Zak' said: "That was a totally different situation. Here, we had lost the first Test, so the pressure was bigger. For any team, to come from 1-0 down is a great feeling. It has lifted the team's spirits.

After the first Test loss, almost everyone was expecting Zaheer to come in as a saviour, and he did exactly that. So how did he handle the pressure? "There is always pressure at this level. There are lot of expectations from me. I was up to the challenge. I had prepared really well. I am glad to contribute to a famous victory.

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