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For Laxmipathy Balaji, the return to international cricket has been tough.

Playing only his sixth Test, the medium pacer claimed his first five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 312 in the first innings of the first Test against India at Mohali on Tuesday.

The visibly elated bowler said he was really pleased with his performance.

"I am happy to have bowled the way I have. Domestic cricket helped me get my confidence back. I was in very good rhythm today and this is how I hope to keep bowling."

The right-arm medium pacer from Tamil Nadu missed India's last eight Tests after suffering a lower abdominal strain during the NatWest series against England [Images] last year and needed months of physiotherapy to get back on the road.

"It was a very difficult time and I am glad it is behind me now. I worked on a change in action with [Australian bowling legend] Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation.

"Lillee had a similar injury in the eighties. A change in action will help ensure that I avoid another injury like this," he said.

The new SG ball that is being used for the ongoing Test has a more pronounced seam and Balaji believes it helps the bowlers.

"Yes, definitely, it does. We get more movement of the pitch and more bounce as well. On a pitch like this you need to bang the ball in. There was a lot of moisture for the first one hour but it disappeared thereafter."

Balaji's previous best of 4 for 63 in 2003/04 at Rawalpindi was also against Pakistan.

"I like bowling against them. I like the competition. On a wicket like this, bowling is all about control on line and length. That is the key."