Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile on Monday, talked about the persistent injury problems that he endured over the last three years, which saw him represent Australia in only nine One-Day International and seven Twenty20 Internationals in the last three years.

After cementing his place for his national team in early 2014, the lanky pacer suffered several injury setbacks, which limited his appearances on the field. Since late 2014, the 29-year-old was kept out of the game with three massive hamstring injuries, had injured both his shoulders, and was also diagnosed with a a bone stress fracture.

Coulter-Nile, formerly with the Delhi Daredevils, made an excellent return to the Indian Premier League against his previous employers, finishing with figures of 3/21. He could have ended up with more wickets had KKR held on to some of the catching opportunities they were offered. The current Indian Premier League league-leaders, though, scampered to a win, masterminded by Yusuf Pathan and Manish Pandey’s heroics.

“Getting back was tough, it was long time out of the game,” Coulter-Nile said after the match. “It probably was one of the hardest years of my life. But to be back playing cricket and doing well, and contributing to a win, it’s all worth it in the end.”

KKR play their next game against Gujarat Lions on Friday in their fortress, Eden Gardens.