S Sreesanth was such a character, I loved my tussle with him - Andre Nel

S Sreesanth, a character Indian cricket might never forget, has some memories in South Africa. He was India’s best fast bowler then. His seam positioning and breakdance-esque bowling action became fan favorites. The Kerala bowler was also known for his antics and his aggression. This certainly made him one of a kind.

Sreesanth was a bowler who had a lot of talent and was pivotal in India’s many successes around the world. However, one incident that will never leave our heads is the one in South Africa. Sreesanth was with the bat this time around and he did something which is engraved among all the cricket fans. Andre Nel, who was the center of everything recalled the happenings.

I wanted to hit him on the head – Nel

In 2006, when India won their second ever Test match in South Africa, there was an incident with Andre Nel. Sreesanth’s five-for had given India a solid 165 run lead in the first inning. India were already 350 odd runs ahead in their second inning when Sreesanth came to bat. Nel, who dons a similar personality to that of Sreesanth sledged.

The Indian seamer being himself did not take this lightly. He charged down the wicket on the very next ball and hit him over the head for a six. Sreesanth did not stop there as he danced his way in from of Andre Nel. The South African pacer had a lot to say about this.

“When I saw him walk out, the first thing I thought was ‘hit him on the head. To be fair, that was generally my thought no matter who was batting,” Nel said while talking to Cricbuzz. The Protea was asked about his sledging to which he answered in a very diplomatic way.

“To be honest, I can’t remember what I said. It was a heat of the moment thing and probably something along the lines of ‘I’ve got more heart than you’. I honestly couldn’t say for sure,” explained Nel.

He added that he now shares a good relationship with the bowler and they sorted out their differences after the game. Nel made sure he was the first one to walk up to the opponents after the game. He said, “I was the first to walk up to my opponent and shake his hand after the game. I had a laugh with Sreesanth back in the change room. He was such a character and I loved my tussle with him,”