Snehal Pradhan is simply itching to get her India jersey back. It's been just over 12 months now that the she was reported by on-field umpires for a 'suspected illegal bowling action' during the India-England ODI in Derby. Looking back at the harrowing year that has passed since,Pradhan is both sad and relieved. Sad because she lost six months of international cricket while working on corrective measures to get her action sorted. And relieved after having overcome the 15-degree level-of-tolerance barrier to get the all-important clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier this year. Now on a comeback trail,Pradhan,the 26-year-old right-arm pacer,can't wait to return to Team India colours. "You are bowling well and feeling good about your performances,when suddenly someone tells you that your action is doubtful. You are bound to breakdown," the Maharashtra pacer tells Sportsline,recounting the dreadful day when she was pulled up. Pradhan is presently in Nashik,leading her district Pune in the state inter-district tournament. And she still gets emotional while recalling the trauma of having to stay away from international cricket. "I was disappointed and shocked. It was frustrating to lose out on competitive cricket for six months as I was suspended from bowling till my action was cleared. I did play for my state team as a batswoman though but at times I thought my bowling could have made a difference. But it was just a delay and not the end. I told myself to be patient. Parents and friends gave me awesome support," says Pradhan now. Things are already looking up for the lanky pacer. With her action cleared,she captained the Indian Board President's XI against Australia in a warm-up match back in March. The quickie is all of praise for coaches B Arun and Venkatraman,under whom she worked on restructuring her action at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Pradhan made her ODI debut against Pakistan in Dambula during the Asia Cup in 2008 and got three wickets in the match. There,she opened the bowling with Team India's ace of pace,Jhulan Goswami. And she can't wait now to share the new-ball again for her country alongside her favourite partner-in-crime. "I am thrilled to be bowling again. I basically worked with staff at the NCA to make a few adjustments in my bowling action. It was just two degrees over,so it wasn't a big correction. I just worked on my alignments and have started using my front hand a bit more," explains Pradhan. India's recent tour to England,where the pitches favoured the fast bowlers,was one that Pradhan would have loved to have been on. And she claims to have sat watching,tempted to get her hands around the ball. "Who wouldn't be? But it's just a matter of time. I am working hard on putting up some impressive performances,and waiting for my time to arrive. But yes,I have kept track of all of India's scores," says Pradhan. Although Pradhan has not made the cut for the India probables for World T20 to be held in Sri Lanka,she hasn't lost hope,and is focusing on the domestic matches. Pradhan,who is genuinely quick through the air and moves the ball off the wicket,gains a significant advantage of her height. "The international scene is in the selectors' hands. I am focusing on my preparations so that I am ready to grab any opportunity that comes my way. My targets are linked to my preparations," she adds. Snehal has played in six ODIs for India and moved to Mumbai from her hometown Pune five years ago as Western Railways offered her employment here. She began playing cricket in Pune when she was 14 and played much of her cricket with the boys. And there is nothing she craves for more than another bite at international cricket. Says Pradhan,"Although cricket was not popular among girls in Pune,it was the ultimate choice. I began as a wicket-keeper but because of my height,I was guided to become a quick bowler. My parents always wanted me to play for India. And,they would be the happiest when I wear the India jersey again."
