The pressure is on Australia, says Uthappa

Zaheer fresh and raring to go

Cricinfo staff

September 27, 2007

Zaheer Khan: "The break was critical for me. I bowled a lot during the England tour and I needed that break and it has gone well for me" © Getty Images

Zaheer Khan, who missed the ICC World Twenty20, says he has recovered from a bruised ankle and is looking forward to the one-day series against Australia.

"The break was critical for me. I bowled a lot during the England tour and I needed that break and it has gone well for me, " Zaheer said.

The series begins on Saturday and Australia have come without players like Michael Hussey and Shaun Tait but Zaheer said their absence did not concern the Indians. "We have to focus on our strengths and it depends on how we perform," he said. "We have done well and should continue to do well."

Zaheer also expressed confidence about performing on the flat and unresponsive Indian tracks. "A bowler always stands a chance to earn wickets in any conditions and in any format of the game," he said. "We still have to bowl well and on any track you have to give your best."

Robin Uthappa, a member of India's Twenty20 squad, appeared bullish about the series ahead and said the pressure was on Australia. "We will fight fire with fire," Uthappa said. "The pressure is not on us; we have done exceedingly well and we are raring to go."

Uthappa said he was amazed by the grand welcome accorded to the Indian team in Mumbai yesterday. "I have not seen anybody getting such a welcome," he said. "It was nice to see people from all parts of the country joining together to welcome us. That made us realise how much the game meant to them and how emotional that win was. There were people of all age groups, and people were waving and blowing kisses from windows and balconies, I will cherish that forever."

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