Kochi: India's new pace spearhead S Sreesanth is keen to develop a potent yorker ahead of the tri-series in Sri Lanka to become a more complete fast bowler.
Sreesanth, who played a key role in India's 1-0 series win over the West Indies, said he was also working on removing the "negatives" in his bowling action and has sought tips from bowling greats to improve his skills further.
"Yorkers are effective and surprise balls and should be used more in One-Dayers. I am working on it and just want to get my confidence back," he said after returning from the cricket tour of Caribbean.
The Kerala speedster said out of the 70-odd wickets he had got in first class cricket, 33 have come through bowling yorkers.
"I am also working on the negatives (aspect) in my bowling action and hope to improve as I play more games. I will be only glad if anybody can point out such aspects and work on it to improve," said Sreesanth, who played a stellar role in the fourth and final Test to help India clinch their first series win in the West Indies in 35 years.
Sreesanth said he was lucky to have got vital tips from great West Indies fast bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding and Curtly Ambrose during the tour.
They pointed out what was good and what was wrong with my bowling, he said.
The 23-year-old bowler said he was inspired by fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee of Australia, who had always advised him to get the basics right during his days at MRF Pace Foundation.
"He (Lillee) has played a key role in my entire cricket career," Sreesanth said.
Asked if he would also focus on his batting to be an all-rounder, Sreesanth said he had the basic skill and was working on it to be helpful to the team when needed.
"I started my cricket career as an opening batsman. I love batting and am going to work on it. It will be helpful if Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Irfan Pathan...are batting in the 80s... and if I can stay at the other end it will help the team," he said.
PAGE_BREAK
About his state of mind when he captured the prized wicket of West Indies captain Brian Lara in the the fourth and final Test, he said "I was very happy. We had planned... luck was also with me. I kept trying. I had the belief also."
He described the just concluded West Indies tour as a "very nice experience" and said the team was now focusing on the triangular series to be played in Sri Lanka next month.
"The World Cup is a long way off and is in March 2007. At present, we are focusing on the upcoming triangular series to be played at Sri Lanka."
"The team is doing a great job and we are working towards that. India has got a very good chance in the World Cup but right now we are focusing on our next training camp prior to the tri-series," he said.
Sreesanth is the second Kerala player to make it into the Indian squad after fast bowler Tinu Yohannan.
The bowler said he was not sure if he would be able to represent his state in the domestic Ranji trophy matches owing to the tight international schedule.
"I would love to play Ranji trophy if I am free. I will even play tennis ball cricket. I love cricket."
Sreesanth said the West Indian crowd was cricket loving and very supportive and that really encouraged the team.
"The hospitality there was nice. They are not worried about who wins and loses. They love cricket," he said.
An accomplished dancer and once a national break-dance group champion while in the eighth standard, he said "I love dancing. It is my passion."
During the England series, while fielding in the third man region in the Nagpur and Mumbai Tests, spectators were heard shouting "national champion come on show some stuff".
On whether he was inclined to act in films, Sreesanth said in a lighter vein, "after I finish my cricket career. Maybe after 35 years."
Asked if he would like to have an innings in politics, he said "maybe after 55 years".
Comments
0 comment