SYDNEY, Dec 31: India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan is wishing for a cheerful beginning to the New Year as India try to bounce back in the second Test in Sydney, starting on Wednesday.

Preferring to brush aside the 337-run thrashing in Melbourne, Zaheer wanted to concentrate on the “15 days of good cricket” ahead.

“That was the first game of the series and it happened in 2007,” he said on Monday. “It’s happened, it’s history. We’re eagerly waiting for 2008. We have three more to Tests go.” Having been instrumental in India’s series win in England earlier this year, bowling them to a memorable seven-wicket win in Nottingham, Zaheer was eager for a repeat.

“There’s still a long way to go in the series. Three Test matches is quite a lot. It’s going to be a crucial game for the team. We’ve done well last time so why not this time?”

Zaheer seemed to be mirroring the attitude of the team when he spoke of the relaxed approach they were taking towards the second Test. “We were all looking forward to the cruise this evening (on Darling Harbour),” he said of their plans for New Year’s eve. “I personally would like to keep myself fresh for the Test. You do whatever when you need it the most. I don’t see myself going all out in the nets tomorrow. If someone feels he needs to go on batting for an hour or two, so be it. It depends on the individual.”

Zaheer echoed Anil Kumble’s statements about Rahul Dravid, saying it was only a matter of time before he found form.

“We always back our players. That’s what is more important at this level. He’s a great batsman and that’s why he’s ready to accept that. He’s definitely due and we’re all behind him.”

The Melbourne Test was only the third time Zaheer was bowling in a Test in Australia. He figured in the Brisbane Test last time around, mixed the next game due to a hamstring injury and played the third Test in Melbourne, though it later emerged that he wasn’t fully fit for the game.

“I think there’s something with me and Australia,” he joked.

“Last time I was injured during the series, this time I was injured before. But it’s all behind me now. I’m glad I played in the first Test and am looking ahead now.”

Did he need to do much to adjust to Australian conditions? “It’s a different approach you need here. The grounds are big, and the outfields are sand-based. It takes time to acclimatise. But I don’t see anything major apart form it.”

Meanwhile the Indian team-management was hoping for Saurav Ganguly to recover from his illness. Ganguly was suffering from fever on Sunday but M.V. Sridhar, the assistant manager of the side, said his condition had improved a day on.—Agencies