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Photo: R. Eswarraj

IN AWE Legions of fans came to watch their favourite player

In general, they are a law unto themselves. A look at S. Sreesanth’s on-field mannerism typifies the modern-day cricketer’s attitude to the game and how they feed on energy out of actions which may seem out of sync with the gentleman’s game.

But the game also has ‘gentleman fast bowlers’ like our own ‘Mysore Express’ a.k.a. Javagal Srinath.

Now an International Cricket Council appointed match referee, Srinath’s gentlemanliness could be gauged from the fact that he once apologised to Australian skipper Ricky Ponting after hitting him with a bouncer.

It was no surprise that Sri, as he is affectionately known drew legions of fans when he came to lay the foundation stone for the proposed sports complex of Manipal University in the city.

Unmindful of the fact that Srinath is no longer part of the men in blue, students and faculty of the university were eager to see and speak to their hero. Calmly responding to his fans, Srinath obliged them with autographs and photographs.

But, does that mean he is not for on-field aggression? Not one bit. “If you take off that sting from Sreesanth, he will not be the bowler that he is.”

About where should one draw the line, Srinath says: “It is up to him (Sreesanth). He has already come before the match referee three times. His mannerisms may seem a bit exaggerated. But there is nothing wrong with what he does per se most of the times.”

Would he treat a fast bowler hauled up before him differently? “There are laws and regulations (of the game). It depends on what charges are laid on the cricketer and what is appropriate for the given situation,” he says.

Hemmed in by his contractual and professional obligations, Srinath merely adds: “My current job profile (as a match referee) is a huge responsibility and it gives me the opportunity to study the game closely.”

On the recent success of the Indian pace bowling squad in the ongoing series Down Under, Srinath says: “It is their ability to swing the ball. Players like Irfan, R. P. Singh have relied more on their swing rather than pace.”

He has special word of praise for Ishanth Sharma, the new kid on the block as far as Indian pace bowling attack in concerned. “To be honest, he looks better than me.”

How does he rate the recent Indian win at Australian pace bastion at Perth? “Every win has its own significance. A win is a win. It is a good win,” he adds.

On his own memorable cricketing moment, Srinath says: “All the wins that I have featured in as part of the team is good.” When pressed further, Srinath says his eight-wicket haul against the West Indies at Ahmedabad on a dust bowl of a track should rate among the very best.

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