The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Ranadeb Bose: a good learner

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Sunday, Aug 05, 2007
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Ranadeb Bose: a good learner

Special Correspondent

Leicester: Ranadeb Bose, who took five wickets in the practice match against Sri Lanka ‘A’, said bowling in the nets to India’s best batsmen had helped him improve.

“When you bowl to Sachin, Rahul, Yuvraj, Sourav, Dhoni, you will improve,” said Bose on Friday. “But, I haven’t played for a while now. Though I was bowling at the nets, bowling in a match is different. I needed to get my rhythm back. It took time to get used to the centre wicket and get my outswingers going.”

Bose looked more of a threat in his second spell than with the new ball — he said he tends to bowl better with the old ball. Bose’s strength lies in his acceptance of his limitations. Though built along favourable lines, he has made peace with the fact that he will never be quick — an uncommon occurrence among those running in off more than seven steps.

Bose doesn’t look special, but his numbers confirm that he knows his craft. His rate of nearly four wickets a match at the First Class level is very good. Sure, the domestic game isn’t the best standard for judgment, but he can only work with what he is given.

“My focus was on bowling in the right areas, and pitching the ball on the right length,” he said. You have to know your limitations and stay within them. The moment you try to move out of them you’re gone.

“You need greater discipline at this level. In domestic cricket you can afford a few bad balls. Here every bad ball goes for four.”

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