Sreesanth to curb aggression

Firebrand paceman S Sreesanth, whose famous war dance has now become a symbol of India's historic Test triumph against South Africa in Johannesburg, says he will try to keep his aggression in control to ensure he is not penalised again.

He, however, insisted that he would continue to be aggressive as a bowler but will be careful not to over-do it and risk inviting the attention of match referees.

"I know that if I do something similar again I could miss a game. It is my duty that I do not do anything stupid," he said.

The Kerala seamer, who was fined one-third of his match fee for his reaction after dismissing Hashim Amla in the second innings, said he learnt his lesson and would not violate any code of conduct.

Sreesanth also disclosed what transpired between him and Andre Nel that prompted him to break into a jig after hitting the lanky South African paceman for a six.

"As soon as I walked in to bat, Nel said, 'I can smell blood, I can smell blood,' " the Kerala bowler, whose match haul of 8 for 99 scripted India's first Test victory in South Africa, was quoted as saying in Outlook magazine.

"Then after beating me, he said 'You don't have the fire, man. You should have a big heart to play. You are like a bunny to me.' He turned back and said it again, 'You are a bunny man and I will get you next ball,'" Sreesanth recalled.

Nel changed the field for the next ball, moving the short leg fielder to deep square leg and told wicketkeeper Mark Boucher that he would bowl a bouncer.

"I am a fast bowler and was sure that he would bowl a length ball. I just took my chance and stepped out to connect the ball.

"I guess I just could not control myself when I saw the ball soar over the boundary," he said, referring to his impromptu dance as he saw the ball go for a six.

Sreesanth also provided an insight into his natural aggressive streak on the field.

"It was tough when we moved from our village to Ernakulam. All my friends and cousins were older than me. I played a lot of tennis ball cricket when I was young. That's where I improved. I had watched a lot of this on television. And I guess the conditions ensured that it came to me naturally," he said.

"Even in the under-13 matches, I was aggressive... if I wanted to make a point to the batsmen, I had to be aggressive. It just came and I carried it through. I was lucky no one really stopped it," the 23-year-old bowler said.

Sreesanth said playing international cricket had made him more mature in the past year.

"My thinking on how to get a batsman out or how to prepare for matches has changed a great deal," he added.