Nannes nervous about replacing McGrath

Dirk Nannes, the Delhi Daredevils bowler from Australia who has no international experience, has said he was apprehensive of the huge expectations from him after being picked ahead of the legendary Glenn McGrath.

"I was very nervous when I was fielded in the first match. I knew there would be lot of expectations from me and I would have to perform outstandingly," he told the official IPL website. "May be one day, I will tell me grandchildren that I was responsible for keeping out the greatest fast bowler of all times of a playing XI."

It was his early strikes, getting rid of the dangerous pair of Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs, that set Delhi on their way to ending Deccan Chargers' unbeaten run in the tournament on Thursday. "I think it was great, just the start we needed in the match," he said. "I got the ball moving and was enjoying every moment of it. I didn't do too well in the last match but the guys backed me and it is good to live up to the expectations of the team."

Nannes gained an IPL contract after taking 12 wickets at 13.83 in the Australian domestic season to help Victoria qualify for the Champions League.

His pace has proved a handful in the IPL as well, conceding only 6.43 runs an over which has convinced Delhi to retain him in the side for all five of their games so far, ahead of McGrath and Farveez Maharoof, who were outstanding last season.