Parvinder Awana targets England tour

Parvinder Awana

Delhi medium pace bowler Parvinder Awana, who represents Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, has said that he is targetting a place in the Indian squad that tours England later this year.

"I am very much eyeing the England tour. In fact, only last night, I was jokingly telling Joe Dawes that we have three matches left in this IPL and let me play all of them. I'll take five wickets in each game and book a seat on that plane for England," Awana said.

"But seriously, it was my target coming into this IPL to showcase my skills and fitness and try to make an India comeback."

Even though Awana was not a regular for Kings XI in this IPL, he said the presence of Indian bowling coach Joe Dawes has helped him a lot.

"I have been talking a lot to them. To be honest, my pace had gone down during the initial part of the tournament and I wasn't putting as much effort as I needed to. That's when Joe Dawes sat me down and reminded me what I am capable of.

"I think I swayed away a bit from my basics and got into the relaxed mode. By making me sit out for a few matches, he gave me the kick I needed and pushed me to get right what I am known for.

After missing some matches, Awana, coming back to the team, made a good contribution with a couple of wickets to help Kings XI Punjab beat Delhi Daredevils by 7 wickets on Sunday. Speaking about his time on the bench: “I told the captain (George Bailey) that in the time I sat out, I have worked on my pace and I think I'm there again."

About his interactions with the Australian quick Mitchell Johnson, Awana told that it was all about pace.

He said: "I speak a lot to him about pace. I asked him what he does to keep his pace up on a consistent basis. He asked me to just keep working on my fitness.”

"He said 'If you are capable of bowling between 140 and 145, you will not get to 150 no matter how hard you work on your bowling or fitness. But if you ignore your physical fitness, your pace will slip’,” he added.