Mohammad Irfan Jr impresses Rohit, Kohli at nets in Sydney

Lanky Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan Jr, who has been in Australia for the last couple of years, impressed Indian batters at nets in Sydney as Rohit Sharma and Co. prepare for their T20 World Cup 2022 match against the Netherlands on October 27 at the SCG.

Irfan, 27, left Pakistan cricket in 2020 after he was excluded from Southern Punjab's first XI squad in the National Twenty20 Cup.

The 6 foot 6-inch fast-bowler bowled his natural length just at the back of good length and thanks to his height, he got the ball to bounce as well during the net sessions.

Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik was troubled by the bounce but he earned praise from skipper Rohit and the team's numero uno batter Kohli. He got Kohli to edge one and also beat his bat with deliveries that bounced away.

"My natural length is a bit back from a good length. So because of my height, I trouble all kinds of batters. When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli praise you, what more do you need? Rohit bhai said, best of luck for your future," Irfan said to Press Trust of India.

"I dismissed Steve Smith twice at the nets and he was not in good form. Since he was unable to middle my bowling, he asked me not to bowl further as he wanted to get his rhythm back," added Irfan.

Irfan is now playing Grade Cricket for New South Wales' Western Suburb District and is waiting for his PR (Permanent Residency), which might ease his way into Australian first-class cricket. Irfan aims to bring his family to Australia once his earnings increase.