Zaheer feels the pressure

I am working on Dennis Lillee's tips and hope it will help me perform better Zaheer Khan

India's leading fast bowler Zaheer Khan knows he faces a daunting test on his return from injury when he faces Pakistan in the one-day series.

The 25-year-old left-armer has not played a competitive game since he was sidelined in December because of a hamstring injury in Australia.

Zaheer said: "Definitely there will be extra pressure. I need to give that extra bit now and play harder."

India are without some key bowlers for the series due to injuries.

The one-day series starts in Karachi on Saturday but India will be without their world-class spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

The medium-paced all-rounder Ajit Agarkar is also on the casualty list.

Zaheer said he was pleased after bowling in a practice game on Monday.

"I bowled with my full effort. I am feeling good and I am already gaining rhythm. It's only going to get better."

He said he had received useful tips from ex-India captain Kapil Dev and former Australia pace bowler Dennis Lillee.

"I am working on Lillee's tips and hope it will help me perform better," he said.

Lillee advised Zaheer to curb his delivery stride to reduce the risk of leg injuries he has suffered in the last three years.