SA net bowlers are as good as Ranji Trophy bowlers: Wriddhiman

No one in this current Indian team knows how it feels to be a 'journeyman cricketer' more than Wriddhiman Saha but he says that facing some quality net bowlers in Australia and South Africa can also be seen as a gain when one doesn't get a chance to play in Tests.
As he gets ready for another series as a member of the Test squad, the 29-year-old Bengal stumper knows fully well that he might again have to mix the electrolyte drinks for his mates unless something horribly goes wrong but is trying to keep himself motivated about the upcoming tour.

"The motivation is to improve a bit more as a cricketer. If you ask me how then I would say that facing the local net bowlers in South Africa and Australia is a learning experience.
"Trust me most of the net bowlers in these countries can walk into the Indian first-class sides," Wriddhiman said during an interaction after Bengal team's practice at the Air Force ground in Palam.
"How many times do you get an opposition bowler hitting 140 kmph plus consistently in Ranji Trophy? May be you will get one in some top teams and none in most of the teams.

"Getting some serious knocking against these fast blokes will only make me a better player. And selection is not in my hands, so I should do what's there in my hands. Train hard and be ready to give my 100 per cent."

Wriddhiman is also unsure about getting a go during the two-day match against South African Invitational XI at Benoni.
"That's the only red ball practice match that the team will get. Obviously the first XI boys would like to have a go before the Test match begins. I am keeping my fingers crossed. If I get a chance to play that game, it will be good for me," Saha said.

His last away tour with the Indian team was in Australia and Wriddhiman enjoyed a good domestic season after that.