Srinath could still play in Independence Cup

Javagal Srinath may be available for the four nation Independence Cup which will be played at different Indian venues between May 9 and 28.

Srinath told newsmen in Bangalore that he is undergoing a six week rigorous rehabilitation course following the tear in his bowling arm. By the first week of May he said he would start practicing bowling and throwing.

The fast bowler said if the pain in his shoulder recurs even after the rehabilitation course he might have to undergo orthoscopic surgery.

Srinath pulled out of the West Indian tour before the opening game against Jamaica last month.

He said he was not aware of the extent of injury during the South African tour as fast bowlers were always prone to minor injuries. He claimed he had no difficulty bowling even during the later stages of the South African tour. The only problem he had was that he could not throw the ball from a long distance. The extent of injury was known only when he started bowling at the nets before the game against Jamaica.

He felt the injury was not because of too much of cricket and was not sure if it was due to the fall in the Sahara Cup at Toronto last year.

Srinath said even if he had to undergo surgery he would be fit in six weeks after the surgery.