The Indian spearhead, who was rested for the Asian Test Championship encounter against Sri Lanka owing to sore shins, feels such lay-offs are quite helpful. ``Injuries and breakdowns are part and parcel of a fast bowler's career. But such rests do help a lot,'' he observed.

Dwelling on the pressures faced by an international cricketer while returning from injuries, Srinath said: ``Once he has recovered from the injury it is a question of when to start playing. But the player concerned is the best judge and only he can decide when to start playing.''

Well, Srinath probably believes in what he says. TheKarnataka fast bowler disclosed that he had an inkling that the soreness on his shins was becoming chronic. ``I badly needed a rest. Now I have completely recovered and I am looking forward to the Asian Test final at Dhaka,'' he said.

Srinath was at his jovial best as he mingled with scribes and posed for photographs at the Taj Crystal Room here this afternoon. He had reasons to be cheerful as the occasion marked his tie-up with United Televison (UTV), who also launched their sports division titled UTV Sports.

Henceforth, all commercial ventures entered with Srinath will be routed through UTV for a three-year period. Apart from these commercial activities, plans are afoot to conduct seminars and workshop where Srinath will share his experience and expertise with aspiring cricketers, informed Ronnie Screwvala, chairman and managing director of UTV. However, the financial details of the contract were kept under the wraps.

The 29-year-old Srinath, who has taken 141 wickets in 38 Tests and 215 wickets in154 one-day internationals, termed India's chances in the forthcoming World Cup as ``quite good.''

He isn't perturbed by the fact India is placed in a tough pool which includes South Africa, England and Sri Lanka. ``Every team has it highs and lows. South Africa is rated to be the best in one-dayers but they are struggling in New Zealand in the one-day series. It is just that how good the team performs on a particular day.'' In the fitness of things, it wouldn't be unjust to state that Srinath has marked his run-up for the World Cup.