Varun Aaron — a man of his word

June 16, 2014 10:30 pm | Updated 10:30 pm IST - Chennai:

Varun Aaron. Photo: K. Pichumani

Varun Aaron. Photo: K. Pichumani

Varun Aaron is someone who keeps his word. When recovering from a serious stress fracture of the back last year, he said he would continue bowling fast on return.

In other words, Aaron said he would not be cutting down on his pace to keep away from injuries. Instead, he has worked hard on his body to withstand the load when cranking up speed.

On his comeback to the Indian team, the 24-year-old Aaron, has consistently bowled between 140 and 145 kmph. In this ongoing process, he has also been seeking consistency.

At the MRF Pace Foundation here, ahead of the five-Test series in England, Aaron is striving to adjust to the longer-format after a surfeit of cricket in the shorter variety.

“In Twenty20 cricket, the training is very different. There is more emphasis on short bursts. For Tests, there is plenty of focus on endurance,” said Aaron, speaking to The Hindu here on Monday. “Coming to the MRF Pace Foundation is like homecoming for me. I have been coming here for 10 years. I am looking forward to the inputs from Glenn McGrath ahead of the tour,” said Aaron.

M. Senthilnathan, head coach, MRF Pace Foundation, said, “Aaron is trying to the make the mental and the technical switch ahead of the England tour.”

Aaron said, “My focus would be on bowling length balls, swing and an off-stump line in England. Irrespective of the pitch, the conditions will encourage swing.” Of course, he is also someone who can hit the bat or the helmet hard.

While his focus is on the England tour, Aaron has been rooting for France in the World Cup. “My hero was always Zinedine Zidane.”

And Aaron seeks inspiration from his idol, West Indies pace great Andy Roberts. “I watched videos of Calypso Kings of the 70s and 80s and Roberts fascinated me.” And he received words of wisdom from Aussie pace legend Dennis Lillee over the phone recently.

Going into a tough campaign, Aaron is not short on belief.

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