Thaindian News

Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait cannot stop praising Rahul Dravid’s mental toughness and happily admits that sharing the Rajasthan Royals dressing room in the Indian Premier League with the batting great has been a learning experience for him.

“It was a learning experience for me as also others in the team,” said South Australian Redbacks’ Tait, who quit Test cricket and One-Day Internationals this year.

Commenting on Dravid’s mental strength, he said despite being a Test specialist, he has done well in the Twenty20 format because of his cool and composed approach to the game.

The 28-year-old now calls himself a freelance cricketer more suited to the T20 game as the longer versions prove too much for his body.

“I am called a freelance cricketer because I play only in T20s and I represent four clubs,” he said.

He has turned out for Rajasthan Royals, South Australian Redbacks, Surrey and Melbourne Renegades in cricket’s shortest version.

Tait said he bade adieu to Test cricket and ODIs as he wanted to focus solely on the shortest format. “Test cricket is definitely the top format but I don’t have the stamina of bowling for five days. I have also had repeated injuries in the past. So I don’t want to over-exert myself.”

Tait said every bowler should be well aware of the wear and tear in his body to take a call at the right time about his retirement.

Tait, whose average bowling speed is 150km/hour, said it will be easier for him to bowl on the Eden Gardens track here as he has the experience of playing on the hallowed ground.

“I have bowled on this pitch in the past. There is bound to be juice on the track because of the monsoon conditions. I will make necessary adjustments with my bowling, if need be,” he said.

The Redbacks have earned a direct entry into the Champions League T20 after wining the Australian domestic T20 tournament. They launch their campaign in Group B against South Africa’s Chevrolet Warriors Sep 25.