I am basically a rhythm bowler: Sreesanth

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Medium pace bowler S Sreesanth, who made his international debut in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at Nagpur on Tuesday, said it was a great feeling to turn out in the country's colours.

"I am very happy. It was a really special moment to play my first match for India and I want to enjoy it," Sreesanth told rediff.com, after India had beaten Sri Lanka by 152 runs.

The 22-year-old Kerala pacer, who was named in the Indian team following an excellent domestic season, admitted there was some pressure as he walked in to play his first one-day international.

"Of course, there was some pressure; after all, your are playing for your country in your first match. All the time I was only thinking about getting the first wicket," he said.

That wicket came only at the fag end of the match when he bowled Dilhara Lokuhettige for 29, reducing the Lankans to 189 for 9 in the 33rd over.

"I will try to learn in every match; just learn and learn," the only Kerala speedster to have taken a hat-trick in the Ranji Trophy added.

Sreesanth, who finished with two wickets for 39 runs, took the opportunity to thank all who supported him, saying without their help "it would not have been possible to get this far".

"Firstly, I want to thank my parents and all my supporters. Also, I want to thank each and every member of the Kerala Cricket Association, the MRF Pace Foundation and, especially, Indian Airlines. I owe a lot to them," he said.

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His initial plan against the Sri Lankan batsmen, he said, was to bowl with a bit of pace and bounce, "but nothing worked with the new ball".

"I did not get a good rhythm with the new ball. But now I know my mistake and have realised that I am basically a rhythm bowler and need to start with a good rhythm, which I will ensure in future."

What about the reception he received from the team, particularly after claiming his first wicket?

"It was lovely. Everybody in the team was supporting me. They told me to relax and just enjoy my bowling and try my best," he said.

Sreesanth, who impressed in the recently-concluded Challenger Series in Mohali with a haul of seven wickets in three matches, said he is now looking forward to the second one-day international which will be played at the same venue.

"It will be a nice feeling to play at Mohali again. I did well in the Challenger Series and I hope to repeat my performance."

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