Cricket-Maturing India paceman Sreesanth savours new beginning

By N.Ananthanarayanan

KANPUR, India, Nov 26 (Reuters) - India pace bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth's new-found maturity was the key to a superb spell that edged the team closer to a huge win over Sri Lanka in the second test, he said on Thursday.

The 26-year-old took five for 75 to claim his second five-wicket innings in a memorable comeback to the national team after 19 months away during which he had captured the headlines more for his boorish behaviour than his bowling.

Sreesanth finished the day with six wickets as Sri Lanka went down to 57 for four in the second innings after being asked to follow on, facing an innings defeat after the third day.

He was consistently fast and accurate on returning to Green Park where he played his previous test in April 2008, after coming in for the off-colour Ishant Sharma.

"I never thought I'd play for the country again," Sreesanth told reporters. "It is nice to start off again in Kanpur. All I can say is this is really the beginning."

His swing bowling helped dismiss Sri Lanka for 229 in the first innings before they slumped again. India made 642 after electing to bat first.

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