'Aggression Comes Naturally'

Aggression comes to him naturally, says India's new pace find S Sreesanth,grateful nevertheless for the high praise for his aggressive trait from Pakistanskipper Inzamam-ul Haq.

"It's something which I have been doing since my under-13 days. It issomething that comes to me naturally. May be because I always used to play witholder guys. May be that helped," the 24-year-old speedster said in aninterview.

His stupendous enthusiasm for the game comes through when he says "Idon't mind which wicket you play -- wet, dry, slow or fast. I just want to playcricket."

Inzamam had recently showered praise on the Kerala bowler, saying he had theaggression which was extremely essential for a fast bowler and that he was notafraid to look into the eyes of any batsman or pass a remark or two.

The Pakistani skipper had also remarked that Sreesanth had the potential tobecome one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world.

New to the international scene, Sreesanth does not appear to be botheredabout the latest topic of discussion among the world's cricketers -- playerburnout. He does not believe this would affect him as he is a"rhythmic" bowler.

"I am a rhythmic bowler. I have just played seven months ofinternational cricket. I play a lot of cricket. I just want to play, play andplay.

Asked to comment on Inzamam's views on him, Sreesanth said "It gives mepleasure and more ideas to work on. It's a great encouragement as a fast bowler.The Pakistani captain talking about me and (Suresh) Raina, it feels reallygood."

Sreesanth says he is now focussed on improving upon his bowling, particularlyyorkers, and plans to do so at the Chennai-based MRF Pace Foundation.

"I am really looking only at the next match. I am going to the MRF PaceFoundation on May 5. I want to work on my fast bowling -- basically on myyorkers. I am also doing my strength work and lots of running.

"I want to keep the basics right. But obviously, as a cricketer once yougo into the field, that extra comes out naturally. I will always push myself asI have been doing."

Sreesanth said he was eagerly looking to play against the West Indies in theCaribbean.

"I am prepared for it and looking forward to it. It's a dream playing inthe West Indies, Australia and England in different conditions."

Sreesanth, who made his ODI debut in the first of the seven-match seriesagainst Sri Lanka at Nagpur earlier this season, has picked up 22 wickets at32.21 in 15 matches so far. He has also played in two Tests, getting his firstcap in the Nagpur Test against England.

Sreesanth said the last seven months with the Indian team had been a greatjourney.

"It's been great. I have to thank the Almighty, it's a greatopportunity. The team management was always up there and supported me even whenI was not doing well. I am really very very lucky to be part of this team.

"The coach (Greg Chappell) and captain (Rahul Dravid) told me to 'justkeep the basics right and start believing in yourself, and you belong to thisleague. So, try to stick to it and keep the basics right and you will go a longway'.

"The team is doing a great job and being part of the current Indiancricket team, it's really lucky." Sreesanth is not disheartened by theplacid wickets in India which give very little assistance to fast bowlers.

"I enjoy playing cricket, and I am from Kerala where we don't get anysupportive wickets. I am very much used to this. I want to keep playing for thecountry. It's an honour playing for the country."

The bowler also said he intended to improve his batting as well along theway. "Yes. When the team really needs sometimes, God willing I will comeout with some surprise".

On his experience of playing against England and Pakistan, Sreesanth said,"I learnt a lot of things. I came to know that all I have to do is keep thebasics right, this is what Chappell Sir and Rahul bhai insist on. I just try tokeep my basics right and not get distracted."

Sreesanth said he has been greatly inspired by Dennis Lillee and T A Sekhar.

"As a bowler, Dennis Lillee sir because of work ethics. The way he usedto bowl and his aggressive nature. Even now, if you go to the MRF PaceFoundation if he is around, you can see him working at the gym. You will beamazed to see how he runs and the amount of training he does."

Asked who he thought was the toughest basman to bowl to, he promptly repliedSachin Tendulkar. "I am really lucky. It's an honour to be playing in thesame team that has Tendulkar."

PTI