Zaheer owes his success to South African trainer

Mumbai, October 11: Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who wrecked the West Indies with a four-wicket haul in the first Test here, said Friday he owed his recent successes to South African physical trainer Adrian le Roux.

"I've been bowling well for the past six months and the credit should go to Adrian. He has been of great help," Zaheer said of the South African who has been with him since the West Indies tour in April.

The 24-year-old left-arm paceman was India's highest wicket-taker in the West Indies, taking 15 in five Tests.

His career-best 4-41 effort helped India dismiss the West Indies for 157 in the first innings at the Wankhede Stadium here for a lead of 300. The hosts had made 457 in the first innings.

The tourists were 91-1 in their second innings after following on, needing 209 runs more to make the hosts bat again.

Zaheer said he was disappointed over missing out yet again on a maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.

"I'm disappointed I could not take five wickets this time. I think the five-wicket haul is not far away because I'm happy with the way I have been bowling in recent months," said Zaheer.

The fast bowler has so far taken 58 wickets in 21 Tests since making his debut against Bangladesh at Dhaka in 2000.

Zaheer was well-supported by leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who also finished with four wickets.

"I think Zaheer's spell in the afternoon was crucial. He bowled really well," Kumble said, referring to his team-mate's three-wicket burst in four overs in the post-lunch session.

"The morning session will be vital tomorrow," said Kumble, who took 4-51 in the first innings.

"We need early breakthroughs. We have to be disciplined because there's not much bounce in the wicket. It's not a typical Bombay pitch. We have to keep pressure from both the ends, like we did today."