Spinner Doherty firing under pressure, claims 7 wickets against Lanka

Melbourne, Mar 6(ANI): Australian left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty has fired under pressure to concede only 4.49 runs per over, while claiming seven wickets in 18.3 overs in the Commonwealth Bank series against Sri Lanka.

Part-time off-spinner David Hussey said Doherty's skill has been honed due to him having extensive domestic experience in all three formats.

"He's where he is now because he's gone through the process with Tasmania, bowling in the tough times," he said.

Damien Fleming said Doherty's improvement had been "outstanding".

"It's a great way to get a game if you're known as the best death bowler ... but there's a checklist you need to tick off to do that. Putting yourself under pressure and having success, your confidence grows," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Fleming, as saying.

Fleming, however, said the long-term goal should be that Australia's fast bowlers take responsibility for bowling during the toughest periods.

"It's a credit that we're No. 1 [in ODI rankings] and it [death bowling] hasn't been a strength.I think [bowling coach] Craig McDermott has done a great job in Test cricket and with the new balls in one-day cricket. McDermott was a top-class death bowler so if anyone knows what it's like it was 'Billy' [McDermott], so maybe that's his next focus," he added. (ANI)