When Kris Srikkanth Took The New Ball For India In A Test Match

Kris Srikkanth has taken two five-wicket hauls in his career.

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Kris Srikkanth was regarded as one of the better opening batters of his time. Srikkanth scored more than 2000 runs in test matches at a near-average of 30 in 72 innings while in ODIs, he scored more than 4000 runs at an average of 29 and a strike rate of more than 71. 

An opener batter doesn't normally bowl and if bowls, then a light off-spin generally works for them. However, Srikkanth not only had the ability to bowl but also bowl fast. In ODIs, Srikkanth picked up 25 wickets in 118 overs he bowled including two five-wicket hauls; his best 5/27 vs New Zealand. 

In test matches as well, Srikkanth was sometimes asked to bowl. In one instance, Srikkanth even took the new ball for India, well the second new ball but nevertheless a new ball. 

During the Pakistan tour of India in 1986/87, the fourth test was heading to a draw as Younis Ahmed and Saleem Malik batted throughout the fifth day. In the last few overs of the play, India captain Kapil Dev took the new ball and immediately gave the new ball to Kris Srikkanth. 

Srikkanth bowled a bouncer on the very first ball. He bowled a two overs in that inning and gave away five runs as the game ended in a draw. Srikkanth had also bowled two overs in the first inning as well in which he gave six runs.