Moody helped me, says Maharoof

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's promising all-rounder Farveez Maharoof said the work he was doing with coach Tom Moody on every aspect of his game has enabled him to improve his cricket tremendously.

"After being out with injury during the Australia tour I had a point to prove to show that I can be a good all rounder," said Maharoof. "I have been working hard on my fitness and every aspect of my game with Tom (Moody), who has helped me a lot. I am happy with the way I have been approaching my cricket. On the field I have just been playing my natural game. I have been keeping things simple and things are going well at the moment."

The areas where Moody helped Maharoof are with his technique and also the mental aspect. "We have recently changed some of the bowling methods, like opening up my action slightly and making sure my front arm was pulling down straight. I feel there has been a big improvement since making those changes. I just have to make sure that I am always asking the batsman questions as to whether to play or not," said Maharoof.

On the batting side Maharoof said: "I have just been trying to adapt to the situation. When I went in on Monday I was just thinking about getting through what was a tough period. They were bowling a good line and length. We knew the pitch would ease-up after lunch and just wanted to survive the first session. Dilshan played brilliantly for his 69 and I gave him company. I am disappointed not to get a half-century."

On the Pakistan innings Maharoof said: "After Pakistan started the innings well we just tried to focus on the basics and that worked for us as we took three quick wickets. Inzamam and Farhat batted well. This morning I was just concentrating on bowling in the right areas rather than looking for seam or swing. That paid off. From the other end we also kept it tight. Murali took wickets and Malinga chipped in. It was a good day for us."

Maharoof said that Sri Lanka was in the box seat at the moment with a lead of 250-odd with eight wickets in hand but added: "You never know in cricket. We just want to get a score where we feel we are safe and can win the match. I think around 350 to 400 would be a good target for this pitch."

Describing the pitch Maharoof said: "It has eased a lot compared to the first day and now it is playing very well. The spinners are getting some bite and jump. It's a good track but when we go out in the second innings to bowl we'll be looking to be positive and trying to make sure we are hitting the good areas as much as possible." ST