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'Sledging is part and parcel of game' - Sreesanth

Indian fast bowler Sreesanth, who missed the previous two Test series, is delighted to be back in the Test squad for the home series against South Africa

Cricinfo staff
19-Mar-2008

Taking up meditation has helped Sreesanth calm down © AFP
 
Fast bowler Sreesanth, who missed India's previous two Test series, is delighted to be back in the Test squad for the home series against South Africa.
"It was disappointing to miss out on Tests against Pakistan and Australia. But you cannot help it if you are injured," he told the Mumbai Mirror. "I didn't have to go undergo a surgery as Ayurvedic treatment helped me in recuperating from my shoulder injury."
Following an often ill-tempered tour of Australia, Sreesanth, who has been pulled up several times by the match referee for his on-field antics, said: "Sledging is part and parcel of the game. But it shouldn't get too personal. I admit I have been stupid on some occasions."
While he promised to moderate his behaviour during the upcoming series, he said his trademark aggression would still be present. "You would be seeing a more matured Sreesanth in the South Africa series. I've been doing a lot of meditation and that has calmed me. But I won't curb my aggression because without it, Sreesanth won't be Sreesanth. I would still stare at the batsmen and would continue to chat to him. But I wouldn't want to overstep the line."
The first of the three Tests against South Africa starts on March 26 in Chennai.