Cricket

Sreesanth recovers, almost..

Sreesanth has recovered from the side strain that laid him low after the Indian Premier League and, though still suffering from a stiff back, is said to be targeting the India A game against New Zealand A in Chennai on September 21 for his return to national duty. Sreesanth is currently undergoing fitness training at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

He was not included in the Irani Trophy squad but selectors have dismissed the notion that he was dropped. “He has not been dropped, just that he has not been available for selection,” said one selector. “If and when he is fully fit and has played some matches, I don’t see why he won’t be picked even by the new panel of selectors to be appointed by end September. He bowled very well even in the IPL and there is no problem with his attitude presently as far as I know.”

Those views were echoed by Venkatesh Prasad, India’s bowling coach. “I guess his selection will also depend on the bowling composition at that time when he is available. We are going to play quite a few games in India this year and we have Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel, with RP Singh too in the mix. It would be best for him to play matches, get match-fit and pick wickets to force his entry.”

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