Sreesanth raring to have a go at Strauss & Co.

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It’s been five years since Shantakumaran Sreesanth broke into the India team.

While the rise was rapid, he constantly dropped off the radar, more because of his volatile nature, which rubbed off on his bowling.

Having played just 24 Tests so far, 11 less than Ishant Sharma, who made his debut a year later, the 28-year-old has lost out on being a first-choice to partner Zaheer Khan. He missed the tour of the West Indies last month due to an elbow injury and making matters worse, Praveen Kumar has now taken his slot as the third seamer.

However, a ‘matured’ Sreesanth does not want to get bogged down by external factors and is focused on doing well given an opportunity, which might come for him in the second Test at Trent Bridge, if Zaheer doesn’t recover from his hamstring strain.

Excerpts:

How confident are you of doing well against England?

I am eager to play Test cricket again, because it’s been more than six months since I last played, in Cape Town where I picked up five wickets in the first innings.

If you love the game, you always want to keep playing. I was down with tennis elbow injury, but nothing serious. First I thought we might need surgery, but all is fine and my stint at NCA has helped the recovery process.

I love all formats of cricket, but Test cricket is my favourite. I could have gone to the West Indies and bowled in the 120 kmph range but I want to bowl fast and consistently in the 140s and I wanted to be fully fit.

You must be eager to be bowling in England’s seam-friendly conditions?

I was lucky enough to play for Warwickshire in 2009 when I was making a comeback from injury. That experience will surely help me this time. I also toured here in 2007 and bowled with Zaheerbhai, which helped both the team and myself. Surely, the conditions here will help me bowl longer spells.

How much have you learnt from Zaheer?

Since 2006 Zaheer bhai has been our main strike bowler. He is the best India have seen since Javagal Srinath and Kapil Dev.

I have always looked up to him and he has been a big inspiration. The main thing I admire about him is his work ethic and I have tried to pick those things up from him.

Does the competition for slots put an extra pressure on you?

When you are the number one ranked Test team, you don’t want one or two fast bowlers in the squad but at least 8-10 good bowlers. I can’t always complain about being there or not being there in the playing XI.

Praveen bowled extremely well at Lord’s, I must admit that was the best swing bowling I have seen. I hope he continues in the same vein for the rest of the tour. But whenever, I am given an opportunity I will put in my best.

How are you trying to keep a check on your emotions?

I am no more 19, I am 28 and I don’t want to go down the same road again. Yes, I have made mistakes but have also learnt. Constant criticism makes me angry but I also get motivated.