Pace Guru Lillee sees bright future ahead for Irfan

Chennai, Jun 27 (UNI) Former Aussie speedster Dennis Lillee today said India pacer Irfan Pathan has the potential to become an all-rounder and serve Team India for a long time.

He does not have a shoulder injury. He had the glitch in his action and his bowling deteriorated. We know what the problem is'', Lillee who is here at the MRF Pace Foundation told newspersons.

He said Irfan was young and has the potential to be a good all- rounder.

Munaf Patel and irfan Pathan are also currently undergoing rehabilitation programme at the MRF Pace Foundation.

T.A, Sekar, chief coach at the Foundation, said Munaf Patel has not bowled in full throttle so far. He has been advised a programme to follow. I do not want to meddle with it. Munaf should feel comfortable with it and only then I will ask him bowl with full run-up'', he said.

Lillee also observed that Irfan was using different sets of muscles because of the flaw in his action. ''He never uses his front arm fully, but now he has started it. He says there is pain. Irfan is now close to getting back into the team. He only needs to play matches'' , he added.

He said the young Indians need to mature to attain the caliber of Australian or English fast bowlers. The Australian and English pacers are more established in their sides because they are more mature, being older in age compared to the present indian lot. The Indians are vying against each other. They are quite young compared to other teams,'' Lillee said.

Lillee also said that Sreesanth was trying too much variety, which was expected of him at the moment. Sreesanth needs to mature and should be able to attain the right performance before trying variety'', he cautioned, the young Kerala medium pacer.

UNI