Allan Donald — considered responsible for bringing about a transformation in Sreesanth’s bowling during his six-week county stint earlier this year — says the ‘Kerala Express’ has too many strengths to be the team’s premier bowler.
We recruited Sreesanth at Warwickshire because of what he is. We were looking for a guy with some kind of attitude. We wanted him for his aggression. He fitted our bill. He proved us right in England and he proved us right again on a flat pitch in Kanpur on Thursday.
I followed the Test in patches. In the morning, there was some reverse swing and Sree did well to exploit those conditions. Thursday’s effort should help him re-establish himself in the Indian team. Now that he is back in the side with a bang, I don’t see why he can’t lead this Indian attack.
With an effort like this, he must have pleased his captain and sent out a message to his teammates. MS Dhoni must have been very pleased with his effort. Looking at all the stuff that has been going on since his return to India, this is a massive start for his career.
Personally, I think this kid is a massive talent and has got amazing skills with the ball. And those skills were self-taught.
The problem with him is that he gets carried away and lets his emotions get the better of him. I have seen youngsters with such passion but he allows himself to be overpowered by that. During a county match, he had an issue with a batsman and he almost did not know how to get back from that situation.
I can’t say I’m anyway responsible for his success but all I can say is that we had good six weeks in England during which we talked about a lot of things. I told him a few things. I was very frank with him on certain issues and it was comforting to see him responding to those. Hammering down those points for six weeks has worked, I think.
The main worry with him was his training. His methods at the nets had to change. I thought he was not practising hard enough. I have been brought up with coaches like Eddie Barlow and Bob Woolmer who told me that the training ground is the most important place in your cricketing career and one should never disrespect it. He knew that he could raise his game in that area a lot more.
In terms of skill and temperament, he has got a lot. His strengths are his ability to swing the ball both ways when it is new and he can reverse the ball both ways when it is old. He is a fit guy and runs the whole day. He is not 90 miles an hour but he is capable of bowling 140 kph constantly. He can maintain his skill and that is what we spoke about.
Watching a youngster making the ball talk in the air and off the pitch is very satisfying. You can’t buy those skills. You can’t coach that. Hopefully he pushes on.
If I ever get a chance to work with Gary Kirsten, it will be unbelievable. At the moment, I know the BCCI is taking time over the issue. If I happen to be in the line to be questioned, I am willing to provide the answers.
(As told to Vijay Tagore)
Comments