I am ready for any challenge: Sreesanth

Kochi:

Upbeat over his Test recall, India speedster Shanthakumaran, who has been included in the Indian team for the series against Sri Lanka, on Sunday said he would put in his best efforts and was geared up for the challenge.

Sreesanth, whose last Test was against Bangladesh at Chittagong in January this year, said his preparation was going in the right direction. "I can say that I will surely give my best and will be bowling fast."

On India's chances in the three-Test away series against Sri Lanka next month, the 27-year old speedster said "India is ranked number one and we have been doing very well.Still it is great challenge for us beating Sri Lanka on their own soil."

He said the team's morale was "absolutely high" after defeating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in the just concluded Asia cup. "Hopefully we will continue in the same manner and God willing we will win the series as well."

Expressing happiness over making a comeback into the Team, Sreesanth admitted that he had not bowled well consistenly in ODIs and was working hard to improve his bowling.

'Certainly I have to improve the economy rate in ODIs. The competition level has also increased'.

On being labelled as Test bowler, he said it was "an advantage." "The series is an opportunity for me to improve and move forward," he said.

Sreesanth, who has been troubled by injuries ever since his debut in 2006, said he was grateful to the senior players in the team for their support during his injury recovery period.

"Absolutely they were brilliant. Thanks to all of them," he said, adding, Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman and medium pacers R P Singh and Ishant Sharma were also there at the National Cricket Academy along with him.

"There is always competition in the Academy. It also helps to bring the best out of every individual," he said.

Asked whether there was any rift between Kerala Cricket Association and himself,Sreesanth said "I do not have any rift with KCA.I really love to play cricket and not anything else'.

"Let anybody rule, but I will play cricket," he said

"I have not taken a decision. However, there is time till September," Sreesanth replied to a query whether he will play for Kerala in the coming Ranji Trophy Cricket season.

Upset over being removed from the captaincy of the Kerala Ranji Trophy team, Sreesanth had recently said he might play for some other state in the coming season'. However, he was included in the 25-member probables list for the Ranji Trophy.

Making his debut in international cricket four years ago, Sreesanth has played 17 Tests claiming 60 wickets at an average of 32.01, with a best bowling performance of 5 for 40 against South Africa at Johannesburg, where he gave India its first win on South African soil, in 2006.