Australian tri-series is crucial for me: Irfan Pathan

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When Irfan Pathan made his debut in 2003-04, he impressed against a near-unbeatable Australian side in both forms of the game Down Under.

Eight years later, Australia no longer have that aura of invincibility, while Pathan struggles to re-establish himself as a key member of Team India.

On his previous two visits Down Under, the left-arm quick encountered teams stronger on paper that the present line-up and was able to deliver.

So would his job be a little easier this time around given the fact that the hosts are going through a rebuilding phase? “It won’t be fair to compare Australian teams of the past and present.

“The current one too consists of players capable of turning a match on its head,” he told this paper in between preparations for the triseries next month.

“But for my part, all I’m concerned about at the moment is what lies ahead; whether or not I’m able to make a mark in a series which is crucial for me,” the 27-year-old pointed out.

His good form would be a boost for India. Having taken 21 wickets in this season’s Ranji Trophy, Pathan has proved he is ready to look forward to tougher battles.

“I’m enjoying bowling and feel the rhythm is back. The time I’ve spent at the NCA has been quite useful as well. All I can say is I’m really itching to go out there and deliver,” the all-rounder said.

On whether he had been able to spot weaknesses in the explosive David Warner, a key member of Australia’s Test successes over India, Pathan said, “I don’t think I’ll have much of a clue unless and until I’m there on the field and get some inputs from my teammates.

“Obviously, I’ll need to alter my line and length and have an overall control over my bowling, which is vital whenever the batsmen try to attack.”