Zaheer lacking extra pace but Umesh can get quicker: Cowan

Zaheer is lacking in extra pace but Umesh Yadav could get much quicker during the forthcoming Test series feels Ed Cowan.

Canberra: India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan is lacking in extra pace but young Umesh Yadav could get much quicker against Australia during the forthcoming Test series, according to left-handed opener Ed Cowan, who scored a scintillating 109 on Tuesday.

"Coming back from injury, he`s (Zaheer) probably lacking that extra yard of pace and it`s not a fast wicket so he`s more likely to be bowling within himself," Cowan said. "Young Yadav, can certainly get it through and he`s got a quick bouncer." The 29-year-old Cowan, who firmly brought himself on to the selectors` notice for the Boxing Day Test with his brilliant century, believes Australian batsmen can score runs against the touring attack if they are prepared to dig their heels in the forthcoming Test series. "I definitely think once you get in against those seamers, if the conditions are right, you can certainly score some runs," said Cowan. "I think the key is to really respect the new ball particularly as an opener and really work hard to get in again but also just go with the flow a little bit, trust your instinct and know that you`re playing well and playing with confidence," he added. The Tasmanian opener had scored handsome runs against touring New Zealanders earlier in the summer and now he`s done it against the Indians but Cowan modestly credited the good batting conditions for his good outings on Tuesday. "I`ve been lucky they`ve been played on two really good batting tracks. Allan Border field and Manuka Oval, you couldn`t pick two better places to bat against touring attacks," he said. "I`ve always loved playing against touring sides because as a state cricket, that`s the pinnacle to see international superstars and play against them and to benchmark yourself. It`s a big confidence boost to know you`re not that far off the running," Cowan added. Left-arm spinner Jon Holland, who claimed six wickets, said he enjoyed getting the scalp of VVS Laxman most. "I enjoyed Laxman a bit more; made him look pretty silly. It was a bit like Warne`s ball to Gatting, if you can picture that`s what it was like.” "As for Dhoni, he just had a brain explosion. I don`t know what he was trying to do there." While Laxman was out bowled to Holland, Dhoni tried to clear mid-on fielder but failed in his attempt. India spinner R Ashwin later in the day took four wickets and Holland credited the success to the inconsistent bounce at Manuka Oval. "There was a little bit of turn, a little bit of inconsistent bounce with some spinning and some not." Holland said he was trying to get back to playing for Australia and hoped his performance today could come handy in his quest. "Of course I`m trying to get back to playing for Australia. Haven`t played for them yet so it`ll be a great experience and honour to play for Australia," he said. "I`m just trying to cement my spot in the Victorian team and get as many wickets as I can for them and hopefully, one day I might get the opportunity to play." PTI