Lahore, Nov 30(ANI): Pakistan left arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has said that the back injury that he suffered during the Twenty 20 World Cup in England had affected him psychologically.

“The injury was a high level injury in that it was a damaged disc in my lower back, which caused me great discomfort in my lower back and hamstring areas. It was a frustrating time and an injury that we could not diagnose during the tournament. I was very concerned at the time, as the injury just would not clear up,” Pakpassion.net quoted Tanvir, as saying.

“My body wasn’t right in England and the injury had affected my self belief. The injury was of course a physical one, but it affected me mentally too. Prior to the squad being announced against Sri Lanka, I informed the selectors that I wouldn’t be available for the series, as I really needed some time off to sort out the injury problems,” he added.

The 24-year-old, who made his comeback in the recent Twenty20 game against New Zealand in Dubai, also said that with regard to his long-term career, the break after the Twenty20 World Cup was very crucial.

“Whilst the injury has cleared up, the plan was for a period of rest after the Twenty20 World Cup finals and then for me to commence a period of strength sessions. The sessions at the NCA have really helped me,” Tanvir said.

“It was great to be back in international colours and I felt no recurrence of the back injury. The ball was coming out of the hand nicely, I felt I had good rhythm against New Zealand and bowled pretty well. I managed to swing the ball and my line and length was good. Overall I was very satisfied with my performance in the two matches in Dubai,” he added.

Tanvir further said that he is looking ahead to the upcoming series in Australia, and hopes that he will be part of the squad for Australia.

“I really hope the selectors pick me for the series in Australia. I’m not sure whether they will announce a separate one day squad and test squad, but I will wait and see what happens,” he said. (ANI)