New Delhi, March 19:It was perhaps the only time Sreesanth was happy to see the umpire signal a six after he’d just bowled a delivery. In a unique ‘Super Skills’ contest, where you get half a dozen points for knocking back the top of off-stump, The Indian seamer hit the right length three times in a row to complete a hat-trick. In the Capital for an awards function, he watched the audio-visual package of that feat with an animated expression.

In a hectic cricket calendar, Sreesanth says it’s imperative to concentrate on the basics of the game. He is hoping for a fiery return to Test cricket against South Africa after what was a rather sedate tour of Australia, for him personally. “It’s been a long time since I played Test cricket. I understand that our home conditions at home are not very friendly for a fast bowler, but I want to keep my focus on the basics,” he said. “I’m looking forward to bowling with the SG Test balls and hoping for reverse swing.”

Sreesanth had a memorable tour of South Africa, grabbing 18 wickets in three tests — including a five-wicket burst in Johanessburg that won India the first Test. But he blushes at the mention of his spat with the equally volatile Andre Nel that resulted in his first major public dance performance.

Fear of the ban

Trying to be more sedate now, he acknowledges the danger of crosasing the line with his antics. “If I mess up, the ICC may ban me for at least three Tests and I keep this thing in mind when I take the field. In Australia, I told myself that there is a very thin line between foolishness and bravery. “So everytime I got angry, I just rushed back to my run-up to calm myself,” he said.

The last few months have been hard for the Kerela paceman. In and out of the side, his performances have been swung between extremes. On top of that, he was advised shoulder surgey but managed to avoid it by opting for Ayurvedic treatment. “It was hard. I mean it was my choice to go for Ayurvedic treatment but now I am fit,” Sreesanth said. “I’m able to take the workload, but I have to work extra hard now. When other players are relaxing, I have to hit the gym or do stretching exercises in the pool.”

His eyes light up again the moment you mention the upcoming South Africa series. “I did well in South Africa and I will try to draw inspiration from that. But it’s history now. I will have to work doubly hard now that they’ll come prepared for me. I have to ensure that I don’t get carried away,” he says, before adding hastily, “I have a lot of plans for them — different strategies for different batsman.”

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