New Delhi: Seeking to prove his detractors wrong, Suresh Raina has stated that he was “built” for Test cricket and is working on playing the short ball – perceived to be his weakness – better.
“I know I am built for Test cricket. I have done well in Tests. I played well in the West Indies (last year). The first Test in England also went well for me. I am working hard.
“The number six or seven slot is a difficult one to bat at. Henceforth, I will ensure that I will prove I am capable of being a good Test player whenever I get a chance,” Raina said.
About being perceived as a limited-overs cricketer, he said, “People will talk about me being a one-day player but let them talk, I know I have time. (In Tests) I have been out eight or nine times to spinners and I am working on that. I have won Twenty20s and ODIs for India, (but) haven’t got such a chance in Tests.
As far as playing the short ball is concerned, he said he has been working on that aspect.
“People talk about the short ball. I am leaving the ball well, I am playing it well. If I couldn’t play the short ball, well, then I wouldn’t have scored in the West Indies and also in England. People talk about all Indian players not playing the short ball well. We are working on it.
“Everyone is discussing it and we are getting better. I am feeling good, my body weight is balanced and mentally I am approaching the ball well. No player is perfect and he takes time to master a particular thing,” he was quoted as saying. (PTI)
