I want to be a match-winner: Laxman
Hyderabad, Dec 7 (INN): "My intentions, when I go into the middle are very clear. I wish to play knocks that will be match-winners or help save a match from critical situations.
Records and statistics are never on my mind. Right now I am looking forward to the tour of Australia,' is the battle-cry of V V S Laxman, on the eve of his departure for the tough tour Down Under.
Speaking informally to the media here on Wednesday, Laxman, who has a fantastic record in Australia, said the team management had decided to send the team two weeks in advance so as to get used to the climatic conditions prior to the commencement of the Boxing Day Test.
Laxman, an integral part of the Indian batting line-up, said he relishes playing on Australian wickets. "Somehow, I have always performed well, particularly at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The atmosphere is amazingly electrifying.'
For the records, the stylish Hyderabad batsman has notched up an impressive three centuries on the ground. In addition to three successive tons between 1999 and 2007, he has also scored an ODI century at Sydney.
He said he was hopeful of a Test series winning performance by India, which has `an excellent blend of youthful exuberance and phenomenal experience in its ranks. The bowling department looks pretty healthy as the pace trio has been performing incredibly well against West Indies.'
Going sentimental, the backbone of the Indian middle-order, said that he was keen on a glorious series triumph as this could be the last series for several players. `Ending on a high note would be extraordinarily cheerful,' he said.
However, he was quick to admit that Australians are a formidable outfit with seniors like skipper Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Shane Watson capable of turning the tide with their prowess.
On the Indian team's preparedness, he sounded positive that the team was peaking in time for the grueling four-Test series. He said he was particularly happy that Zaheer Khan had bounced back into reckoning. `He would be our trump card in the pace attack.'
On Pragyan Ojha, Laxman said that although the spinner would be playing his first series on Australian soil, "his confidence levels are high. Moreover, his county experience with Surrey will hold him in good stead."
Speaking about the century of centuries that has been eluding Sachin Tendulkar, he pointed out that such things are not discussed in the dressing room for that would have a psychological bearing on the mindset of the maestro.
"I pray that he achieves the feat in Australia. He is one of a kind and deserves that fabulous record."
News Posted: 7 December, 2011
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