Toughness only thing missing from Indian repertoire

Take for instance the Aussie plan to neutralise Tendulkar. A computer study identified previous dismissals, areas of strength and types of balls which the master was unable to put away. From this data, a plan was conceived and specifics decided about what to bowl and what not to attempt. Once these decisions were made, the more interesting part unfolded. The team management picked the right bowlers to counter Tendulkar. Glenn McGrath was summoned and given told: We know you have a deadly outswinger, a wicked slow ball and a vicious yorker but forget these. What you need to do is this… That, in Srinath’s opinion, is toughness.

Srinath is equally impressed by their capacity to use science to limit injuries, speed up rehabilitation and promote performance. Quite often, specially for bowlers, cricket changes are induced by physical reasons. Lowering of an arm could be a result of a flawed action, or due to a muscle strain which can be mended by a docter not a coach.

After 10 years on the international circuit, Srinath is weary, and it’s not just physical. During this period, his body has taken a severe beating (shoulder injury, groin strain, knee trouble); he is ravaged by overwork. Add to that the burden of expectation being India’s only strike bowler besides Kumble. “I am working hard on fitness, strictly following a schedule given by experts but it is increasingly difficult,” he admits. The sensible thing would be to preserve Srinath, ration his international appearances carefully. Just as South Africa does with Allan Donald and Australia with McGrath. If India had Pakistan’s abundant riches in fast bowling, it would not matter what happened to Srinath.