Shami key to India’s Champions Trophy prospects: Irfan Pathan

The Men in Blue were at their menacing best in all the departments in the two practice games against New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja added 31 and 32 respectively. “If you can keep bowling in the right areas and hit the seam, I think that’s the best way to go for the bowlers”, the 32-year-old told IANS. I don’t think we’ll see too numerous wickets we saw at Lord’s during the Champions Trophy, but you never know. However, with Bangladesh defeating South Africa and India and Pakistan coming up trumps against Zimbabwe the West Indies team had to bid adieu to their hopes of playing in the Champions Trophy this year. Defending champions India open their campaign in the ICC event with a marquee clash against Pakistan in Birmingham on Sunday. “I just feel that he’s a no-nonsense kind of player, doesn’t fake it out there, is all about his great skill that he has and ability to win games out of nowhere… it’s Lionel Messi”.

However, Azhar’s undoubted class and calmness have earned him a recall in Pakistan’s ODI side for the Champions Trophy.

India will play their next two matches at The Oval, against Sri Lanka on June 8 and then South Africa on June 11. Our preparation was good apart from this game so we are confident’.

It sparked laughter during a press briefing at The Oval yesterday, the day before Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy opener against hosts England.

If you don’t want to get yourself hooked to yet another addictive game this time you’ll have to avoid Google’s homepage. People might say it is a question of life and death or redemption, but it’s not the case for me.”This is my first major tournament as captain, I’m definitely very hopeful and excited about the competition”.

The 31-year-old, along with Shikhar Dhawan (60) and Hardik Pandya (80*), helped India post a big 324-6 in their 50 overs which the Indian bowlers defended with precision.

“Even Dinesh Karthik used the opportunity against Bangladesh brilliantly”, said Laxman.

“You know it’s very important when you are playing in English conditions to play close to your body and play late”.

After losing the previous match despite making 341, the Tigers fans were looking forward to an assuring display, but Bangladesh batsmen staged one of their worst performances, getting bundled out for 84.