Chennai, Nov 30: Indian team members were looking forward to Sachin Tendulkar reaching the milestone of 35th test century in the first test against Sri Lanka starting here on December 2, stylish middle-order batsman V V S Laxman said. 

"The mood in the dressing room is excellent. Each one of us are looking forward to the test series and Sachin reaching a milestone is a great feeling for all of us," Laxman told reporters here. 

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On his own fitness levels, Laxman, who has made his highest score of 281 against Australia, said "I am looking forward to playing match winning knocks." 

"Preparation has been quite good. Luckily, I had a good tour to Zimbabwe and then had played in Challenger trophy and one match in Duleep Trophy. Unfortunately, I did not get to play more matches. I have been training with the Hyderabad Ranji team," he said. 

As for playing against Muthiah Muralitharan, Laxman said "it is highly challenging to play Murali in one-dayers. I have never played him in test matches. I have practised certain ways to tackle him. Hopefully, everything will click." He said he had started the season on a good note and there was going to be lot of opportunities for him in tests. "Important tours are coming up. After our tour to Pakistan, England is coming to India and we will tour the West Indies," he said adding "I am looking forward to start off well against the Sri Lankans." 

On his future, Laxman said: "I am looking at it match by match. I have always given one hundred per cent...each time I was given the chance."About the weather-playing spoilsport, he said "We are professional crickets and we need to perform whatever the conditions be or circumstances." On the wicket for the match, he said 'the wicket look good. As the match progresses, it will definitely turn. Chepauk has always been a good and sporting wicket. If the bowler bends his back, he will surely get assistance." (Agencies)

Published: Thursday, December 01, 2005