I am happy to come back, says Robin

Tamil Nadu and India all rounder Robin Singh, who made his way back into the Indian one-day squad for the forthcoming five match series against Australia, on Monday expressed happiness over his selection. Speaking at a function got up by the Rotary Club of Madras to felicitate him, Robin, a man of few words and greater deeds, said "I am happy to be back. I am looking forward to the Australian series." "I hope I make some good runs," said the introverted Tamil Nadu captain.

Robin led Tamil Nadu into the Ranji Trophy quarter finals with a victory over Delhi last week. With his selection to the Indian squad, Robin will be forced to skip the quarter finals against Baroda in Baroda from March 22. Sridharan Sriram, who was named by the TNCA as Robin's replacement as captain was also present at the gathering and spoke about how hard it was to measure upto Robin's expectations. He added that Robin's achievements at the age of 37 was an inspiration to the youngsters in the team.

Speaking on the occasion, the president of the Rotary Club of Madras, N Jagannathan said the award was in recognition of Robin Singh's dedication and commitment over a span of 135 One-Day Internationals. The secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Ashok Kumbhat, presented the `For the sake of Honour' award to the 38-yearold former Trinidadian.

"It is hard to find a more committed, hardworking and fit cricketer" said Kumbhat. He felt that more than anything else it was the timing of the award which has to be noted. "With the city being in the grip of a cricket fever and with Robin's selection the awards function becomes significant."

Robin makes a comeback to the national side after being dropped for the five match one-day series against the touring Zimbabweans last December. In his one-day international career dating back to 1988/89, Robin has scored 2320 runs and taken 69 wickets. In ten ODI's against Australia he averages a healthy 34 with the bat.

The Australians, Shane Warne in particular, will remember him for his knock of 75 in the 1999 World Cup Super Six game at the Oval. He also has another identical score of 75 against Australia in the Aiwa Cup in Colombo just after the World Cup. The five match series gets underway at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on March 28.