Reduced run-up does wonders for Zaheer

India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has credited his return to form after months in wilderness to a reduced run-up, which he says has helped him become fitter and consistent.
"I think a major difference in my career has been my readiness to cut down on my run-up. My reduced run-up, without sacrificing on my leap at the point of delivery, has both improved my rhythm and fitness," Zaheer told PTI in an interview.
Zaheer has a new-found status of being a dreaded swing bowler and has his opponents numb with clever bouncers and one that straightens after pitching.
The left-arm paceman had successive averages of 37.40, 44.00 and 43.18 in his last three series prior to the recent one against England and only one five-wicket haul in his last 12 Tests but even without many wickets, he has enhanced his reputation.
His opponents dread his exaggerated reverse swing, a factor which was enough to win him his first man of the series award on home soil with returns of eight wickets at 21 runs apiece in the two-Test series against England.
Most are now inclined to compare him with the legendary Wasim Akram of Pakistan in his prime.