We dominated the series: Laxman Principal Correspondent
HYDERABAD: It was yet another successful trip down under — batting performance which should made him proud of himself. Yet, the tinge of dejection at being ignored for the one-dayers was only too discernible when V.V.S Laxman — the fourth highest run-getter of the series with a tally of 366 runs after Sachin Tendulkar (493), Mathew Hayden (410) and Andrew Symonds (410) — interacted with the media at his residence on his return to the city.
“I am disappointed at not being part of the one-day series. I would have loved to perform consistently in both forms of cricket,” he said. “Well, it is a huge opportunity for the youngsters to prove their mettle,” he added.
“Right now, my focus will shift to the forthcoming South African series.”
Evidently delighted at his good friend Anil Kumble’s captaincy, Laxman said the leg-spinner drew from his vast experience to prove a very efficient leader and, more importantly, he bowled exceptionally well throughout the series.
“Honestly, except in the first Test at Melbourne, we dominated the series. The Sydney Test which we unexpectedly lost in two sessions was an aberration for many reasons,” he explained. “The end-result — losing Test series — was definitely disappointing for we had always believed that we had a chance to beat them,” he said.
Pitches slower Laxman said he found the pitches in Australia this time much slower compared to the earlier series.
What was the impact of the Sydney episode on the Indian team? “Right from the beginning, it was a battle between the best and the second best. I don’t think the Aussies were any more aggressive in this series than they have been on previous tours. They always play the game like that. We were not surprised,” he said.
“Personally, I feel that my 79 in the second innings of the Perth Test which helped India gain a handsome lead and win the Test eventually was the best knock after the century at Sydney,” said Laxman. “No one gave the Indians a chance before the Perth Test. It was a fantastic win under difficult circumstances,” he said.
Highly satisfying What makes him come up with special performances against the best? “I repeat that I have always enjoyed the challenge of playing against the best. I have been doing this since my under-19 days against them. It is highly satisfying for me to be so successful,” Laxman said.
On the duel with Aussie fast bowler Brett Lee, Laxman acknowledged that the Australian bowled really well and was easily the best of all of the bowlers he had faced.
Commenting on the role of Gary Kirsten, who is to take over as the Indian team coach, Laxman observed that his advice did have a good impact on the entire team.
On captaincy, Laxman reiterated that, if given the opportunity, he would treat it as a huge honour.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/01/stories/2008020156322000.htm
AuthorTopic: Laxman disappointed for not being included in squad against Oz (Read 612 times)
