Binny building up pace before World Cup

Cut-throat competition is expected when it comes to making the final 15 for the 2015 Cricket World Cup and allrounder Stuart Binny feels the extra pace he has gained of late makes his case stronger ahead of the all-important selection early next month.

Binny has not made the most of his international opportunities, both with bat and ball in three Tests and six ODIs [Binny has scored 118 runs and has taken 0 wickets in Tests; in ODIs, he has nine wickets and 40 runs].

The 30-year-old, however, remains confident of securing a World Cup berth.

Three games into the Ranji Trophy, the Karnataka player says he is especially satisfied with how his bowling is coming along. Binny was impressive in his eight-over spell against Railways during a Group A game in Delhi on Monday.

"I have actually gone up on my pace in the last 8-10 months. After entering international cricket, I realised I need to step up on the pace. I worked a bit in the gym and the run-up is harder than last year. The results are showing," said Binny when asked about the extra pace he has gained recently.

"I have got a bit stronger in the legs. I was bowling consistent 125 kmph and I have added 3-4 kmph to that. The stronger legs have helped me run in harder than earlier," he said.

Binny, however, feels he needs to be more consistent with the bat. He has got starts in three of his four Ranji innings but has only one big knock to his name, the 77 against Tamil Nadu in Bangalore.

"I am happy with the way I have batted (in the recent domestic matches) but pretty disappointed at not being able to convert starts. It doesn't help my case but my rhythm has been good," he added.