Nehra ecstatic with big-match show

Ashish Nehra, hero of India's victory over England with a spectacular spell of six for 23, was just another member of the Indian team until he reached Kingsmead.

No one enquired about his ankle injury before the match and everyone, including the team management, was planning to replace him with Ajit Agarkar, if he did not pass the fitness test.

But today, he is the most valuable member of the side and has proved his might in swinging conditions. He returned with the third best bowling figures in a World Cup and the best by an Indian on the big stage.

"I am ecstatic with my performance as this was a big game for us," Nehra said. He admitted that he hadn't tried anything special against the England batsmen. "All I did was to try and bowl a good line and length."

Nehra owed his success to the team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus. "I wouldn't have played this game but for Andrew. He helped me recover quickly and I am very thankful to him," he said.

How much of his success does he attribute to the wicket and weather conditions? Nehra revealed: "The wicket was undoubtedly good for bowling. It had a bit of bounce and all I did was to bowl a good line and length. And I'm happy it worked."

On fine-tuning his bowling skills, Nehra said: "For the past seven months I've been working hard on my fitness. I am grateful to Leipus, who has been working hard with me. If at all I've bowled fast, it was mainly due to my fitness," he admitted.

Nehra also revealed that he now aims to be more consistent. "Coach Wright, and Ganguly have been reminding me about this. If only I am consistent, can I be among the best in the business.

Earlier, I used to have problems with my delivery stride and used to bowl a lot of no balls. I used to drag my feet, too. But I managed to correct it after watching my action in videos.

"I feel much comfortable now as I used to put a lot of strain on my groin. I feel stronger and looking forward to be consistent."

Nehra thanked many top cricketers for their useful tips, especially Kapil Dev. "He has helped me often with some timely advice."

Though he is in the race with Zaheer Khan for the opening bowler's slot, they are the best of friends and help each other. "We are both left-arm pacers, but with a difference. Zaheer is quicker, but I concentrate on my swing.

"In fact, Zaheer has been helping me detect small flaws in my style. Many a time, it is very difficult to pick out flaws while bowling unless someone points it out to you," he remarked.

Nehra also wants to improve his batting and fielding. "If I have to remain in the Indian team for long, I need to do well in these departments too. I work hard for it and take maximum catches while fielding. My coach is also very keen that I improve my batting."

But for now, Nehra wants to concentrate on his bowling.