IRFAN PATHAN Left-arm fast medium bowler; left-hand batsman

FACTFILE Born: 27.10.1984 Team: Baroda Test debut: Yet to play ODI debut: Yet to play

India have high hopes for teenager Pathan, who earned his chance by taking 18 wickets in four games to help India win the Asian under-19 championship in Pakistan.

He returned the astonishing figures of 9-16 in India's opening match against Bangladesh, who were bowled out for only 34.

And he followed that up by taking 3-33 in the final against Sri Lanka to help his side to a convincing eight-wicket win.

"He is a very good bowler and can become better with experience. I could see the fire in him" was national selector Kirti Azad's verdict on his performance.

Bowling on faster tracks in Australia is all part of the learning process for Pathan, who is also a useful lower order batsman with a first-class fifty to his name.