Varun Aaron spent months in rehabilitation after a stress-fracture in his back forced him onto the surgeon’s table.
Long hours at the National Cricket Academy, a rigorous fitness schedule and even cycling from the hotel to the NCA were all part of his efforts to get better.
Finally when he slipped on an India shirt again, he did remember his past. “When I was operated on one-and-a-half years ago here (in England) my target was to be on this tour and I am glad I had a good match,” Aaron, who castled Moeen Ali with a classic delivery, said here on Friday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking about his injuries, Aaron said: “I have had five stress-fractures but I don’t hold myself back. I was lucky to have a good support system. The BCCI backed me and I worked at the NCA and at the MRF (Pace Academy).”
As for his approach to fast bowling, the Indian speedster said: “There is a clear message that I got to bowl quick, and, yes, short spells are better.”
What about the way he planned Ali’s dismissal? “He had a problem with the short ball and a bouncer followed by a full ball is a good method. I just bowled a bouncer and then an in-swinger,” Aaron replied and added that “even a 100-run lead is manageable because it (the pitch) has changed.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Later, Aaron was praised by Ian Bell, who said: “He bowled nicely, has a bit of pace as well and he complimented (Bhuvneshwar) Kumar very well.”
Bell also felt that a lead over 150 can put India under pressure.