Sreesanth hoping to be fit before 2nd Test against SA

Kochi:

Paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth said he was fast recovering from his injury and 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 Bangalore by Wednesday or Thursday.

"There is nothing serious and I am having very good 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 a 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 for sure," he said.

"South Africa being number two in the Test rankings below us it will help to judge you 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, "It was a rare moment of my life when Sachin scored a hundred and I was next to him giving a hug to him. Very honestly after my debut, I always wanted to bat with Sachin."

"That was the first time I had batted with Sachin. For me to be with Sachin when he scored a hundred was the happiest moment. From the bottom of my heart I told him (Sachin) can I hug you and I hugged him," he said.

In a lighter vein, Sreesanth said, "Hopefully when I score a century next time he (Sachin) will be next to me." Asked what advice Sachin gave him when he came to the crease in Chittagong, Sreesanth said, "He told me: Sree, just enjoy your game. I know you are excited."