Amit Mishra hopeful of Test call-up after India crush Zimbabwe

Riding on his current performances, Amit Mishra is hopeful of making it into the Test squad. (Getty Images)

Indian right arm leg-break bowler Amit Mishra has set his eyes on securing a spot in the Test side, which is set to play against South Africa later this year, after playing a noteworthy role in India’s colossal win against Zimbabwe on Sunday in Harare.

Mishra picked up 4 wickets conceding only 47 runs in his full quota of 10 overs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 183 runs before wrapping up the win with 14 overs to spare and seven wickets in hand. Riding on his current form, Mishra is now hoping for a Test call-up.

“I’m not in the Test side. I’ll try and do my job in the next two matches, and then it’s up to the selectors. I’ve been waiting a long time for this and I’m doing my best and it’s working for me now,” said an elated Mishra who has been sent on his first ODI assignment in two years.

The 30-year old leg-spinner has not played a Test since India’s tour of England in 2011 and in spite of the stiff competition he faces, he is making utmost use of the opportunity that has been given to him to prove his mettle.

Mishra has captured 43 wickets in 13 Test matches at an average of 43.30 and with 9 wickets in the last 3 ODI matches, he has been the highest wicket-taker in conditions that have not provided much assistance to spinners.

“I’ve done lots of hard work on my googlies and variations and it’s paying off,” he said.

“When I came here I was just thinking about the conditions and how to bowl on these kinds of tracks. I’ve spoken a lot with TP (Trevor Penney) and Duncan (Fletcher) who have given me a few tips, which I’ve been working hard on,” he added.

Mindful of the competition he faces to make it to the nation’s Test squad, Mishra said: “All the players have done so well in domestic cricket, so they came here with the confidence. There’s a lot of healthy competition going on— everyone wants to do well for India, so it’s working for the Indian team.”