Birthday special: Javagal Srinath – His top three spells

Javagal Srinath was an important cog of the Indian bowling attack in the 1990s and the early part of the first decade of the new millennium. In a career that spanned more than a decade, the right-arm pacer represented India in 67 Tests and 229 ODIs.

While he scalped 236 wickets in the whites, he prized out 315 batsmen in the ODI format of the game. He has also taken a total of 13 five-wicket hauls in international cricket. With Srinath turning 54 today, let us take a look at the three best spells from his career.

6/21 vs South Africa (Tests)

Javagal Srinath produced a ravishing performance against South Africa in November 1996. After India wielded the willow first and posted a total of 223, the Proteas replied with a score of 244. India were bowled out for 190 in the second innings, and South Africa were set a gettable target of just 170 for victory.

But then, Javagal Srinath produced a jaw-dropping spell to make the South African batsmen dance to his tunes. The right-arm pacer picked up 6 wickets in the 11.5 overs that he bowled, and gave away just 21 runs. South Africa were bowled out for 105, as India won the match by 64 runs.

8/86 vs Pakistan (Tests)

Javagal Srinath flummoxed the Pakistan batsmen at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata in February 1999. Batting first, Pakistan was bowled out for 185, with Srinath picking up 5 wickets. India replied with a total of 223, with Sadagopan Ramesh scoring 79 at the top of the order.

In the second innings, Pakistan was bowled out for 316, with Srinath wreaking havoc. He picked up 8 wickets and gave away 86 runs in 27 overs. Set a target of 279, India was bowled out for 232, and Pakistan won the match by 46 runs.

6/76 vs South Africa (Tests)

The best spell of Javagal Srinath’s career came in the year 2001 against South Africa in away conditions at Port Elizabeth. Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 362 on the board. And, Javagal Srinath was the bowler who caused a lot of problems to the Protean willow wielders. Srinath scalped 6 wickets and gave away 76 runs.

India was bowled out for a total of 201 in reply. South Africa declared their second innings with their scorecard reading 233/5, and set India a target of 395. The Indian batsmen survived for 96.2 overs, and the Indian scorecard read 206/3 in the second innings, as the match ended in a draw.