Javagal Srinath reveals the toughest batsman he ever bowled at

The former Indian pacer and now ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath has revealed the toughest opposition batsman he ever bowled at. Srinath announced his retirement after featuring in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 against Australia. He had played a crucial role in India’s winning streak of 8 matches during the mega event. He served Indian cricket for almost 12 years in both Test and One-Day International formats.

However, he decided to give it back to the gentleman’s game after quitting and taking up the Match Referee’s job. Srinath officiated in his maiden match in 2006 at Colombo for the Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Recently, he worked as the Match Referee during the limited-overs series between England and Windies.

Sachin and Dravid were tough to bowl in nets

In an interview with International Business Times, India, Srinath revealed some interesting facts from his illustrious career. He also felt honoured to play under Sourav Ganguly who led India to the final of 2003 World Cup. But the premier pacer of his time termed the Sri Lankan legend Aravinda de Silva as the best batsman he has ever bowled to. He also said that Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid always took the most out of the bowler.

“It was always challenging to bowl to Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) in “nets”. They got the best out of most of the bowlers. If you want to really measure yourself in terms of form, they were the best batsmen to bowl at. If you are not in the pink of your form, then you might find it difficult (to bowl against top batsmen). Otherwise I always felt Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka) was the best. Also Brian Lara (West Indies) and Ricky Ponting (Australia) were great batsmen, who I bowled at,” Srinath said.