Amit Mishra hopes for encore

Circa 2008. For once an injury to Anil Kumble, India’s biggest match-winner, didn’t hurt India. The team management turned to a talented leg-spinner from Haryana for the second Test against Australia in Mohali. And deliver he did.

The diminutive bowler, then 25, went on to get a five-wicket haul and became only the sixth Indian to do so on debut.

Amit Mishra, who had picked up 13 wickets in all during India’s 2-0 series triumph, is hoping to replicate his success this time. Incidentally, the first of the two Tests will be played at the very same Punjab Cricket Association Stadium from October 1-5.

“It is going to be an interesting contest as two of the best teams would battle it out. I am looking forward to playing Ricky Ponting & Co and I have fond memories of my debut,” Mishra said.

“My performance in the 2008 series boosted my confidence and a good show this time will be great,” the 27-year-old added.

According to Mishra, the pressure will be on Australia. “Australia are a quality side and performing well against them boosts your confidence. No doubt they are a tough lot but we are the No.1 side and they will be under pressure. We had beaten them last time.”

The leg-spinner also said that Indian wickets are not all that spinner-friendly.

“Wickets (in India) favour batsmen these days and it will be a tough task for us bowlers. But I am ready for the challenge,” Mishra said.

Mishra said he enjoys the competition for the second spinner’s spot in the team. The presence of Ojhas and Chawlas brings the best out of him.

“When you play for India, there is a challenge and pressure but I take it in a positive way. I try to perform well. It is up to an individual how he handles the pressure,” Mishra said.

The Delhi-born cricketer said the presence of senior partner Harbhajan Singh has been helpful. “Bhajji’s experience is always helpful. He always comes up with suggestions and guides us whenever there is a problem.

Not just Bhajji, even (MS) Dhoni, (Virender) Sehwag and Sachin (Tendulkar) are all helpful,” he added.
The art of leg-spin bowling is fascinating but not easy to master. “A bowler needs to work very hard to get into rhythm and develop variations. I work on my rhythm, line and length for over two hours everyday. I am working on a couple of variations too,” he said.

Mishra said he takes help from Kumble and national selector Narendra Hirwani, both superb exponents of leg-spin bowling. “I take help from Anil bhai and (Narendra) Hirwani sir. I approach Hirwani sir quite often,” he added.