Cuttack, Dec 3: Making a return after his unfortunate injury breakdown at Lord’s earlier this year, Zaheer claimed a total of four wickets as Mumbai inflicted a crushing defeat on hosts Orissa in a Ranji Trophy Elite league match here. The pacer bowled a total of 22 overs in the match.

Speaking to an English daily, Zaheer said, "I am feeling absolutely fine; a bit tired, which is a good thing because it means I have put in the effort. It's looking good, everything is on track, probably a week ahead of the schedule. The physios are happy and I am happy too.

"Physically, I am feeling fine. Obviously, as I bowl more, I will get better. I am happy with how things are going at the moment, but bowling-wise I need to get the rhythm going. That's going to be achieved in the next game,” he added.

The left-arm pacer, who is preparing for the forthcoming tour to Australia, said, "The next game is crucial [in terms of preparation]. After that, we’ll see how I feel. All in all, so far everything is on track [for the tour to Australia]."

Asked what he hoped to gain from the game, Zaheer replied, "As I haven't played a single game in four months, I was looking to get back to that [match] environment; spend time on the field in the Test [format]. It's about spending six hours on the field and then coming to bowl a spell and then again the next day. It is not easy.

"In that way, this [game] was perfect. I got to bowl a spell on the first day and then again 16 overs or so the next day. In one-and-a-half days, I managed to bowl 22 overs, which is an exact simulation of a Test match. Having said so, I need to build on match fitness."

Asked whether he would like to arrive early in Australia and train or play a second Ranji game, Zaheer said, "I would prefer to play a match [against Saurashtra]. This is what I have conveyed [to BCCI]. I am looking forward to the next game."