He is responsible for Glenn McGrath's 'no show' in the on-going Indian Premier League so far, but Dirk Nannes admitted that he was little nervous to replace the legendary Australian pacer in Delhi Daredevils' playing eleven.
Nannes has come of age since his debut in the IPL and played an instrumental role in Daredevils' six-wicket win over Deccan Chargers on Thursday.
The left-arm pacer, who claimed the crucial wickets of Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs to finish with match figures of 2 for 16, said he was delighted with his performance and thanked his team management for backing him even when he was not doing well.
"I was very nervous when I was fielded in the first match. I knew there would be lot of expectations from me and I would have to perform outstandingly. May be, one day, I will tell me grandchildren that I was responsible for keeping out the greatest fast bowler of all times of a playing XI," he was quoted as saying on the IPL's official website.
"I think it was great. I am delighted to contribute to the team's success. I am enjoying my bowling and the Indian Premier League has been going well for me till now.
"I didn't do too well in the last match but the guys backed me and it is good to live up to the expectations of the team," he added.
The 32-year-old Victorian, who started his career late at the age of 29, calls himself a reluctant cricketer as his first passion is skiing. He, however, refuses to draw a comparison between the two sports.
"To be honest I never wanted to play professional cricket. Hence, I said that I was a reluctant cricketer. But now it is the number one sport for me. I am not someone who has come into first class cricket through school level or university level.
"It is a tough one. Skiing is an individual sport and cricket is a team sport. Since I have started cricket a bit late, my body still feels young for the game. It is very hard for me to draw comparisons between the two sports but I enjoy both of them. It's a great feeling to be a part of a team," Nannes said.
Although, the door to Australia's Twenty20 World Cup squad is shut for him this time around, he is hopeful of donning national colours, provided he continues to impress the selectors with his performance.
"I don't think I can make it since they have already announced the probables. So, may be next time. I will try to impress everyone and let's see how the things pan out."
