County stint made me match fit: Pathan

Indian left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan on Wednesday said his two-month stint in English county cricket for Middlesex helped him attain match fitness ahead of the July 30-August 9 triangular limited over series in Sri Lanka.

"The county stint was very helpful as it made me more match fit. There's difference between normal fitness and match fitness and I have immensely benefited by playing in county cricket," Pathan said in Mumbai, after unveiling the IndianOil Cup for which India, hosts Sri Lanka and the West Indies would fight for.

"I have not tried to develop any surprise weapons. I want to get back into a rhythm. I want to just go and play my normal game," Pathan, who is also the brand ambassador for IndianOil, added.

The youngster said he would be joining the ongoing conditioning camp for the national probables in Bangalore in two-three days.

"I returned last evening from England. I would go back home to take rest for 2-3 days before joining the camp. The Indian team physio (John Gloster) and coach Greg Chappell too have advised me to take a break before joining the camp," the Baroda player said.

The tri-series will be India's first tournament under Chappell as well as Sri Lanka's first under Tom Moody, who was one of the contenders to succeed John Wright.

IndianOil, who are the title sponsors, also unveiled their new logo for the triangular series.

The matches will be shown live on Ten Sports.