Indian batsman VVS Laxman feels the new-look bowling line-up of Australi won’t pose much threat to India © AFP
By CricketCountry Staff
Melbourne: Dec 20, 2011
Senior Indian batsman VVS Laxman has opined that after years of trying, Indian team is now confident of winning its first Test series Down Under.
Laxman was quoted in The Hindu as saying, “We have won Tests there on the previous tours but not the Test series. We are well prepared for the major challenge ahead and should achieve our objective.”
Laxman who has been prolific run-getter against the Australians says he enjoys the pressure of playing under pressure against the Aussies. He said, “I just enjoy playing against them as I always do against the other teams. But, the big knocks against the Aussies under pressure have a special place in my career.
“But, let me tell you that the century at Adelaide in the company of Rahul (Dravid) on the 2003 tour gave me great satisfaction given the circumstances.”
Though Laxman rates the current young Australian team as a good team, he feels the new-look bowling line-up of Australia won’t pose much threat to India.
He said, “In batting they have the likes of Ricky Ponting, Captain Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey. May be, there will be a couple of new faces in bowling.
“Well, we may not have played the rookie fast bowlers like Pat Cummins (injured and to miss first two Tests against India) and James Pattinson who have done really well in recent times. But, we should be good enough to handle any bowling attack.”
Laxman also dismissed that Sachin Tendulkar is under pressure of scoring the much-awaited hundredth ton. He said, “Let me tell you having known Sachin for so many years, I know he never plays for any milestones. All of them have come in the process of him helping the team win many laurels.”
Laxman feels the Indian team is a balanced one, and that a series win in Australia will help them achieve their ambition of becoming the No 1 Test team in the world.
He said, “It is a very balanced unit with lot of experience and exuberance. We have depth in all departments and also have a couple of exciting fast bowlers who should enjoy and do well in Australia,” Laxman said. “And remember we have to good spinners Ashwin and Ojha who hold the key too.
“Definitely, this tour to Australia is a big one as we are very keen to regain the No. 1 Test status. The confidence and morale are very high after the series win against West Indies, which followed the disappointment in England. So we hope to carry on the momentum to ‘Down Under’.”
