Srinath extends support to Ganguly

Srinagar: Former fast bowler Javagal Srinath on Wednesday said the international career of Sourav Ganguly was not finished yet and the former captain should take a break to come back fresh in the team.

"The career of Ganguly is far from over. I think he needs to take a break and come back fresh. In today's set up, you cannot shut the door on anyone," Srinath said.

The former pace spearhead, accompanied by MRF Pace foundation Chief T A Sekhar, was in Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day camp to hunt for fast bowling talent from the region.

Srinath also said leg-spinner Anil Kumble had a lot to contribute to the shorter version of game and he should be a part of the team for next year's World Cup.

"Kumble should be an integral part of the Indian team at the 2007 World Cup in West Indies based on his performance and he still has an important role to play," Srinath told reporters on the sidelines of the camp.

Srinath was all praise for the young pace bowlers, saying they were all shaping up well but refused to predict if they would be able to pose a strong challenge in the world cup next year.

"(Irfan) Pathan, Sreesanth, R P Singh and Munaf Patel have been performing well at the international level," he said.

On the players' burnout due to excessive cricket, Srinath said cricketers in the age group of 23 to 28 years could play any number of games they like.

"At that age, it does not affect the players too much," Srinath said adding that "the rotation policy of the Indian team management is working for them at the moment and it would help in reducing the players burnout."

He also said introducing the youngsters into international arena at an early age would benefit them, especially the fast bowlers.

"The fast bowlers get a new sense of direction if they are exposed to international cricket at a young age. They learn a lot while playing and know which areas they need to

improve upon," he said.

The Bangalorean refused to be drawn into the controversy with regard to his appointment as match referee by the International Cricket Council.

The beauty of Kashmir and the picturesque scenes at the Sher-E-Kashmir cricket stadium overwhelmed Srinath.

"It is absolutely beautiful. This is one of most picturesque grounds in India," said Srinath, who was visiting Kashmir for the first time.

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