'I am a speed guy' - Abid Nabi

Abid Nabi, the 20-year-old fast bowler from Sonwar in Kashmir, has been called up by the Indian team management to bowl at the nets in Mohali. He bowled to VVS Laxman in the nets today and won his appreciation.

"I bowled at him [Laxman] in the nets and he praised the kind of speed I worked up as well as my swing," the 6 feet 2 inches tall youngster told PTI. Nabi, who said he got a call from Bhupinder Singh Senior, one of the national selectors, on Thursday, is currently working on his physical fitness and running techniques under the guidance of Greg Chappell, Ian Frazer, the bio-mechanist, and Gregory Allen King, the trainer. "The focus is on my physical fitness and I am also looking to improve my line and length," Nabi said.

Nabi, who believes speed is his biggest asset, said he was busy with his engagements for North Zone in the Deodhar Trophy when he got the call. "I was told that Chappell and Rahul Dravid wanted me here. Naturally, I was very thrilled as it has been my dream to play for the national team," said Nabi, who considers Kapil Dev his idol. "I have no qualms in saying I am a speed guy. Like Shoaib [Akhtar] and Brett Lee, I also want to touch the 100 miles per hour mark."

Nabi revealed that initially he thought he was being considered for the Test squad but understood that perhaps it was too early for him to graduate to that level. "I have been touching 140 km per hour regularly in the domestic circuit but I know I lack in discipline. I tend to get wayward and I am working hard on it. What is encouraging and a source of constant motivation for me is the fact that the current team management believes in giving chances to youngsters," he said.