Sreesanths been bowling at full tilt even in Ranji Trophy matches

Such has been his record in international cricket so far that every time Sreesanth enters a cricket field,he not only has to battle against the opposing batsmen but also his reputation as a chronic trouble-maker.....

Such has been his record in international cricket so far that every time Sreesanth enters a cricket field,he not only has to battle against the opposing batsmen but also his reputation as a chronic trouble-maker. Making a comeback to Test cricket after a two-year hiatus,the 26-year-old speedster won both those fights comprehensively and ended up with the Man of the Match trophy in Indias 100th Test victory.

Not only did Sreesanth make life extremely difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen in Kanpur,picking up his second five-wicket haul,the paceman also displayed uncharacteristic poise,managing to keep his multiple idiosyncrasies in check.

Tinu Yohannan has seen Sreesanth right since his school days and it was his pace partners temperament at the Green Park Oval that impressed him the most. There wasnt much for the fast bowlers on that wicket and he bowled well within himself. He concentrated on bowling in the right areas,which also contributed to his success, he says.

Sreesanths returns for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy this season were meagre no wickets in 26 overs against Andhra and one against Madhya Pradesh in Indore. But Yohannan insists that his captain bowled at full tilt in both matches and was unfortunate not to pick up more wickets. The selectors simply wanted to see whether he could bowl fast and he was giving it his all. Every game he played for Kerala was like a comeback for him, he says.

With Keralas Ranji Plate Division encounter against Services being cancelled,it seemed like a perfect opportunity for Sachin Baby and the rest of his team mates to take a break from cricket and spend sometime with their families. But with Sreesanth running through the Lankan batting,Baby insists that they had no choice but to sit glued to their television sets.

It was during the game in Indore that Sreesanth was informed of his selection in the Indian Test squad. We were all sitting in the dressing-room when Sree suddenly got a call. We heard him say Sachhi Sachhi (Really..really) in Hindi before he shouted out I am back in the Indian team and started hugging all of us, Baby says.

For former Tamil Nadu player and Kerala coach C S Suresh Kumar didnt only take note of mode of Sreesanths wickets,but also the manner in which he celebrated them.

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Though he did indulge in his typical namaste celebration after a couple of wickets,he was in control for the best part of the match. His temperament throughout the Test was immaculate, says Kumar.

But ask them whether this performance will ensure that Sreesanth has finally gotten over his temperamental demons and evolved into a mature cricketer,and Yohannan cautions. He should not be just judged on this performance alone. The whole of Kerala is praying and hoping that he continues to do well. He has become a thinking bowler after his stint with Warwickshire, says the former Indian pacer.

Kumar is quick to add that Sreesanths future lies entirely in his own hands. If he continues to display the temperament that he did in Kanpur there will be no stopping him. The onus though is on him, he says.