Beating Lankans in their backyard is no mean task: Sreesanth

Kochi: It would not be easy to get the better of Sri Lanka in the Test series in their own den even though India’s morale is high after wininng the Asia Cup, says comeback paceman S Sreeasanth. The Kerala speedster had missed the South Africa series due to a hamstring strain and was included in the squad for the three-Test series against the Island nation. “India is ranked one and we have been doing very well. Still it is great challenge for us beating Sri Lanka on their own soil. I can say that I will surely give my best and will be bowling fast,” Sreesanth said. “Hopefully we will continue in the same manner and God willing we will win the series as well,” he added. India beat Sri Lanka in the final to win Asia Cup after a gap of 15 years. Sreesanth said he wants to utilise the Test series to prove his worth and also want to do well in ODIs.“The series is an opportunity for me to improve and move forward. Certainly I have to improve the economy rate in ODIs. The competition level has also increased,” 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 support during the rehabilitation 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.” The temperamental fast bowler yet again insisted that there was no rift between him and the Kerala Cricket Association. “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 He though parried the query if he would play for Kerala Ranji team this year. “I have not taken a decision. However, there is time till September.” 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 next season. He was included in the 25-member probables list for the Ranji Trophy. PTI