July 02  
Srinath may come back: Ganguly

LONDON: Sourav Ganguly said he would not be surprised if Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath ended his retirement from Test cricket announced earlier this month.

The Indian captain, speaking after his side's four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the triangular one-day series here at The Oval on Sunday, said: "I've seen a lot of people come back from retirement and I have my fingers crossed with Jav.

"He's still got a lot of cricket to offer and I hope he changes his mind," added Ganguly, whose side plays a four-Test series in England starting at Lord's on July 25.

Last month, Srinath, 32, announced his retirement from Test cricket, after taking just 13 wickets in the five-Test series in the West Indies and then asked to be rested for the subsequent One-day Internationals. Srinath wants to continue to play one-day cricket until next year's World Cup in South Africa. 

"Test cricket is over for me," Srinath told reporters when he announced his decision. "Somewhere down the line, you start feeling that there are so many other things in life. I can't go on for many years. 

"It's good to see the emergence of many fast bowlers in India. I have had a long career. I have played cricket to the fullest and am content with that. I think it is the right time to call it quits from Test matches, but if the selectors feel I can contribute in one-dayers, I will be available," he said.

Srinath, who made his debut during the 1991 tour to Australia claimed 232 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 30.46.