Munaf swings Irani Trophy match in Rest of India favour

Venkatesh Prasad believes pacers too will come to the fore against Australians
Talking about the Indian camp, the virtual Indian Test line up – Rest of India fought their way back in the ongoing Irani Trophy – pushing Ranji champions Delhi on the back foot.

And leading the fightback was the tall and lanky pacer Munaf Patel who is surely coming back to his best. After getting off to a solid start Delhi had to consolidate, but they got off to a disasterous start as Zaheer sent Gambhir packing in the very first over.

But, the Ranji Champions fought back with captain Sehwag putting up 50 runs together with Akash Chopra in his trademark style. The Rest of India struggled with the selectors watching.

Munaf Patel grabbed the opportunity. The lanky bowler who has not played a Test for India since December 2007 produced the edge off Akash Chopra to bring Rest of India back in the game.

And with momentum on his side, the 25-year-old bowler from Baroda was virtually unplayable. Kohli, Manhas and Nehra were all left puzzled as Munaf destroyed half the Delhi innings in just his 9 overs.

Captain Virender Sehwag provided the only resistance from the domestic Champions, but he eventually succumbed to Team India captain Anil Kumble for 43.

Delhi failed to grab the initiative as they were bundled out for mere 177 runs, 75 behind the Rest of India and the likes of Chopra and Kohli lost out on valuable opportunity to stake a place in Team India to face the Aussies.

But one man who could get a call up is undoubtedly Munaf Patel while the Indian spin twins of Kumble and Bhajji too had decent outings today.

The Rest of India lost Jaffer early in their second innings. But with Dravid and Badrinath batting firmly, stage looks set for Delhi to be in the field for most of tomorrow.

Venkatesh Prasad on Indian bowling

The first two days of the Irani trophy has cleary seen the pacers making merry with Ishant, Munaf and Zaheer all coming good. And understandaly, bowling Coach Venkatesh Prasad is a delighted man, hoping his bowlers will be able to win back the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Once again, expectations will rise as India look up to these two gentlemen to deliver on the Indian turning tracks. Kumble and Harbhjan have enjoyed considerable success against the Kangaroos and though they will be India’s prime weapons in the fight of their lives, bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad believes, the pacers too will come to the fore.

Prasad putting faith on his pace attack, especially after the Indian pacers played an instrumental role in conquering Perth.

Even as Prasad calls for consistency, Ishant, Munaf and Zaheer have already taken a cue, putting in an impressive show in the ongoing Irani Trophy. Ponting and party will need to focus on not just negotiating spin but also the Indian pace in the upcoming series.

Originated from Times Now