Kochi Jan. 31: Paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth said on Sunday that he was fast recovering from a hamstring injury and was hopeful of playing in the second Test against South Africa starting on February 14 in Kolkata.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Sreesanth, who was not picked for the first Test due to a hamstring injury, said he would start bowling at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru by Wednesday or Thursday.“There is nothing serious and I am having training sessions at the NCA. I am very happy with my progress and I am recovering very fast”, Sreesanth, who was on a day’s visit here, said.“I have started running sprints and will start bowling soon, may be by Wednesday or Thursday. Everything is looking good and hopefully I should be fit for the second Test. I really don’t want to miss any game be it against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or South Africa,” he added.The temperamental pacer, who was sent home from Bangladesh after suffering a hamstring strain during the first Test in Chittagong, said it will be a closely contested series against South Africa.“I will not say it will be 2-0 for us, but I am sure it will be a good contest. I am looking forward to play if I get fit and if I get selected,” he said.“South Africa being number two in the Test rankings below us it will help to judge where India stand. It is an opportunity for us to tell the world that we are the number one team,” Sreesanth said. Asked what he felt when he was at the non-striking end when Sachin Tendulkar scored his 44th Test hundred in Chittagong, Sreesanth said, “ Honestly after my debut, I always wanted to bat with Sachin.” — PTI