/ 3 January 2011

Indian paceman Sreesanth says Smith ‘woke him up’

Criticism from South Africa captain Graeme Smith has inspired Shanthakumaran Sreesanth to perform better in the series between cricket’s top two Test teams, the fiery India fast bowler said on Sunday.

Sreesanth said he wanted to thank Smith for revving him up in the second Test in Durban by telling him he wasn’t good enough.

The pair were involved in an angry on-field exchange of words in the second Test shortly before Sreesanth dismissed Smith for one of his six wickets so far in the series, which is level at 1-1 with a deciding third Test under way in Cape Town.

“Thanks to Smith. I think he woke me up in the series,” Sreesanth said after leading India’s bowlers with 2-70 on day one of the decider at Newlands. “I was very quiet and thanks to him that he could speak to me.

“He told me ‘you’re not good enough’ and I told him ‘I think I am good enough to get you out.’ So, thanks to him.”

Sreesanth produced another aggressive spell on Sunday to remove Proteas danger men Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. Amla fell to a quick short ball and De Villiers was beaten by an away-swinger.

The 27-year-old Sreesanth also produced the ball of the series in South Africa’s second innings in Durban, dismissing Jacques Kallis with a near-unplayable bouncer to send India toward its series-leveling win.

However, he was criticised after his earlier confrontation with Smith for allegedly making personal remarks about the South Africa skipper’s family.

Smith said Sreesanth had “crossed the line”, and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted it was difficult to control the fast bowler.

“I’m working on now rather than the past or the future,” Sreesanth responded on Sunday. “I’m happy with where I am. I’m following what the management asked me to do and I am very happy. The day went really well. Thank god nobody complained.

“Some people say aggression but I say passion. You play with passion. I love this game and I want to give my very best every day.” – Sapa-AP