Andy Roberts sorts out Irfan's bowling woes

It may not come as music to Brian Lara's ears but former West Indies bowling great Andy Roberts has apparently solved Irfan Pathan's bowling woes, which was mainly due to problems in the seamer's last two strides of the run-up.

The Indian team left early after the fourth day's play of the ongoing Test but Irfan, who was being rested, was slogging it hard at practice wicket and watching him closely was Roberts.

Responding to Team India coach Greg Chappell's request to help the left-arm bowler, Roberts was at the nets, watching Irfan in the half an hour bowling session after which the pace legend found some faults in the bowler's run-up.

"This morning I saw Irfan bowl at the nets and I noticed he had some problems with the final two strides. If you don't have your run-up right then you will have problems in your action and that has been exactly the problem for Irfan," said Roberts.

Roberts said that after a half-an-hour session, Irfan seemed to have resolved the issue.

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"He was messing it up at the nets but after we finished he wasn't messing it anymore. Only a few minor adjustments were required," said Roberts.

Roberts also said that India could have fielded Irfan in this match if he was confident enough to play.

"If the bowler is confident he should be played. But it is up to the captain and coach," said Roberts.

Early in his career, Irfan had also benefited from his tutelage under Wasim Akram.

The Pakistani captain recently criticised Team India management in general and Chappell in particular for leaving out Irfan for the ongoing Test match against the West Indies.