Says Warwickshire stint under Allan Donald has helped him immensely.
There must be something in the English weather. If not, how can a mercurial cricketer like S Sreesanth claim to have become shanth (peaceful)?
The maverick pacer, who last played for India in early 2008, is coming back to India a changed man after a stint with Warwickshire. The ‘Kerala Express’ picked up 15 wickets in five games and claims to have found his rhythm. “I have had a great time here and I’m returning a changed man,’’ Sreesanth proclaimed proudly in a telephonic conversation from London. Changed man? “As in I don’t get mad on the field anymore. I’ve worked on it. Every time I’m hit for a boundary off a good ball, I congratulate the batsman. I clap and say ‘good shot, man’”. Shocked? Here’s more…”And when I dismiss a batsman, I have learnt to say ‘sorry to get you out, mate.’”
It’s too jaw-dropping to be true but knowing Sreesanth, it may well be. When he left for England, he had famously said, “When I return, I’ll be an all-rounder. When Shaun Pollock went to play County cricket, he was just a bowler. He worked on his batting and came back as a complete player. Why can’t I?”
So, has he realised his goal? “I have to be honest about this. I have returned a better batsman, not an all-rounder of Pollock’s calibre. Sreesanth owes a lot of this ‘change’ to Warwickshire bowling coach Allan Donald. “Allan’s a legend. He’s the bowler I’ve idolised, grew up watching. He took special care of me, egged me on in the field. He said the best years as a pacer are from 26-30. My five best years are ahead of me.”
The pacer is also looking forward to leading Kerala. “It’s an honour. The selectors have shown faith in me and I have to deliver. The youngsters are going to learn from me.” Sree seems to have done his homework. When asked as to here he’d prefer fielding, he shot back saying, “I have already accustomed myself to stand at mid-on or mid-off. I need to be where the action is.”
On his inclusion in the Irani Trophy squad, he says, “I’m glad to learn that I’m on the selectors’ radar. I will grab this opportunity with both hands. I can’t wait to earn my place in Team India.” One hopes the heat in India doesn’t transform a ‘changed’ Sree into the Sree we have known. Wish the Indian summer was like the English one!
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