The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Lesson learnt: Sreesanth

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Saturday, Dec 23, 2006
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Lesson learnt: Sreesanth

New Delhi: Sreesanth, whose famous war dance has now become a symbol of India's historic Test triumph against South Africa in Johannesburg, says he will try to keep his aggression in control to ensure that he is not penalised in future.

Sreesanth said that he would continue to be aggressive as a bowler but will be careful not to over-do it and risk inviting the attention of ICC Match Referees.

"I know that if I do something similar again, I could miss a game. It is my duty that I do not do anything stupid," he said.

The Kerala seamer, who was fined one-third of his match fee for his reaction after dismissing Hashim Amla in the second innings, said he had learnt his lesson and would not violate any code of conduct.

Sreesanth also disclosed what had transpired between him and Andre Nel, which prompted him to break into a jig after hitting the South African paceman for a six.

"As soon as I walked in to bat, Nel said `I can smell blood, I can smell blood,'" the Kerala bowler was quoted as saying in `Outlook' magazine.

"Then after beating me, he said `You don't have the fire, man. You should have a big heart to play. You are like a bunny to me.' He turned back and said it again `You are a bunny man and I will get you next ball,'" Sreesanth recalled.

Nel changed the field for the next ball, moving the short-leg fielder to deep square-leg and told wicketkeeper Mark Boucher that he would bowl a bouncer.

"I am a fast bowler and was sure that he would bowl a length ball. I just took my chance and stepped out to connect the ball," Sreesanth said.

"I guess I just could not control myself when I saw the ball soar over the boundary," he said, referring to his impromptu dance as he saw the ball go for a six. — PTI

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