Karachi: Pakistani left-arm fast-bowler Junaid Khan, who made a comeback in the Test series against Sri Lanka, said he was gripped by nervousness and anxiety on his return.
"A lot of people started discussing my situation. They started predicting my future due to repeated injuries at such a young age. I was positive but remained under a lot of pressure and was scared before the series," The Express Tribune quoted Khan, as saying.
"I had also heard of Sri Lanka conditions that don``t favour fast-bowlers like they help the spinners. So all this made the return very difficult," he added.
Khan, who was making his comeback following back-to-back injuries, however, ended as the most successful paceman in Sri Lanka, claiming 14 wickets at an average of just over 21 including two five-wicket hauls. His performance was one of the highlights of the series.
Khan said he had overcome a lot of pressure to do well in the three-match Test series.
"My local coach in Swabi helped be a lot. Then Shahid Aslam at the National Cricket Academy and (Dav) Whatmore during the tour remained a very good mentor. Whatmore``s advice really helped me during the Tests. I also kept tips from Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in my mind which I got in my early days," he said.
The 22-year old, who made his international debut last year, has been unable to become a permanent member of the team due to various injuries. He sustained an abdominal injury during the One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka last year and later had to nurse a knee problem that kept him out of the Asia Cup.
ANI
First Published: Monday, July 16, 2012, 21:53