Pathan told to keep it simple

Irfan Pathan © Getty Images

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India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been advised to “stick to the basics” as he prepares to make his comeback from injury against West Indies in the fourth one-day international in Vadodara.

The 22-year-old has not featured in a one-day game since December 3 against South Africa, but he has been declared fit to play as India look to build on their 2-1 series lead.

Pathan struggled with his bowling in 2006 and has sought the advice of Pakistan legend Wasim Akram in an attempt to make subtle changes to his technique.

But groundsman Dhiraj Parsana, who will prepare Wednesday’s pitch, remains cautious over any interference with Pathan during the season and is urging him to persist with the technique which marked him out as one of the most fearsome young bowlers in world cricket.

“Forget about Wasim Akram coaching Irfan and stuff like that,” he said.

“Changes (to his bowling) can only be done, if they should be, during the off-season and there’s no off-season in today’s cricket.

“The main thing is that Irfan is a natural swing bowler and he should stick to the style that brought him praise. He should stick to the basics.”

Pathan’s return to fitness will provide a timely boost to India ahead of the World Cup with the need for an genuine all-rounder crucial to their chances of success.

Wasim Akram gave advice to Irfan Pathan © Getty Images

Team biochemist Ian Fraser believes his ability to score runs with the bat and bowl the maximum 10 overs marks him out as one of the leading candidates for the role of all-rounder when India travel to the West Indies at the beginning of March.

“Irfan bowled and batted spiritedly at the nets on Monday,” he said.

“India desperately need an all-rounder for the World Cup and Irfan is one of the leading candidates for the role.”

Meanwhile, former West Indies wicket-keeper Jeffrey Dujon has warned current keeper Denesh Ramdin that he needs to drastically improve his work ethic.

The 21-year-old has failed to live up to the early promise he showed at the start of his career and suffered a dramatic loss of form during the Test series.

“I sense that he hasn't appreciated the intensity needed at the highest level,” Dujon said.

“He's got to take his work ethic to another plane.

“He's got to pay serious attention to his mobility. For someone of his physical build, his foot speed is sluggish. He's trusting his hands more than he should.”