Munaf eyeing a return to the ODI team

Munaf Patel is determined to regain his firepower in order to book a berth in the Indian team for the upcoming limited overs series in England. Munaf, undergoing rehabilitation and training at the MRF Pace Foundation, said that he was progressing gradually to regain his rhythm and fitness and was close to bowling with his usual venom.

"Currently I am using 85 per cent of my run-up. Hopefully I will be able to use my full run-up soon", he said.

Indian team physio John Gloster is advising Patel on his current rehabilitation schedule. Munaf said his prime target was to become fully fit. "After the back muscle spasm problem in the Bangladesh tour, I am concentrating on regaining full fitness. Had it been some other injury, it would have taken a longer time to cure."

Patel, who has taken 26 wickets from 22 ODIs, was not unduly perturbed about the new pacers competing for berths in the national team. "The competition is always there. There will be pressure also. Whoever performs well under tough conditions will surely get picked to play for India.

"I am not looking at the past. I am positive about my future. I am working hard to achieve my target. I will be able to bowl with the same pace as before," he said.

Javagal Srinath, the former Indian fast bowler, felt that Munaf looked promising during the sessions at the pace academy. "It's been pretty good," Srinath told ANI. He has been open, open for ideas. He is learning fast... He seems good. The match fitness is something, which he has to declare on his own, but otherwise you can see the spark in Munaf, pace is good. He looks alright."