 Laxman gives credit to tailenders
 Ahmedabad, Dec 19: VVS Laxman, who hit a fine century to resurrect India in the third cricket Test against Sri Lanka, today gave credit to the tailenders for putting pressure on the opposition with some determined effort with the bat and proving that the side had a lot of depth in batting. Laxman said even the lower order players had been working hard on their batting in the nets and it showed today when the tail frustrated the Lankan bowlers for almost two sessions.
"Irfan Pathan was stroking the ball very well. It showed how much hard work he has put in. Once someone at number eight can bat like this, it puts lot of pressure on the opposition. We have batting depth till number eleven," Laxman said after the day's play.
"The way Dhoni played yesterday, it was a very important innings. Kumble, Agarkar and Harbhajan too batted well. Everyone is working hard in the batting in the nets and that's showing in the middle," he said. The stylish right-hander said he always eggs on the tailenders, reminding them of their capabilities with the bat. "I always feel I tend to have a lot of confidence in the tail-enders. That shows when they are playing in the middle. I make them realise that they are potentially good batsmen." On his own effort, he said he only tried to bat according to the need of the hour.
"I am pleased with the way I batted. There was a lot of pressure yesterday and the situation demanded I play a long innings and probably anchor the side. I always want to play such an innings whenever the team is under tremendous pressure," said the batsman who came in when the side was reeling at 97 for four. "I am happy that I could do it again," said Laxman, who had played a match-winning 281 when India were in deep trouble in the Kolkata Test against Australia in 2001.
Laxman said he enjoyed batting at number three but was ready to accommodate in any position in team's interests. "It felt good batting at number 3. I have batted at this position from my childhood. But I am ready to bat at any other position given by the team management," Laxman said. Laxman, who stitched a 125-run partnership with Pathan, said batting was easier this morning. "It was easier batting today morning as the ball was coming on to the bat unlike yesterday when there was a bit of moisture in the pitch and the ball was bouncing and turning," he said.
Laxman, who scored his ninth ton in his 69th Test, also felt that the Indian team, which was on top after the second day's play having reduced the Lankans to 131 for five, should not relax tomorrow morning. "We should not relax as we have to clean up the Lankan tail in the morning and put pressure on them," the 31-year-old middle order batsman said. Looking ahead to the forthcoming Pakistan tour, Laxman said it would be huge task to play them on their soil. "It would be a challenge to play Pakistan in Pakistan. They have potentially good bowlers".
Laxman, who scored his ninth ton in his 69th Test, also felt that the Indian team, which was on top at the end of the second day after reducing the Lankans to 131 for five, should now tighten the noose on the visitors. "We should not relax as we have to clean up the Lankan tail in the morning and put pressure on them," the 31-year-old batsman said. Looking ahead to the forthcoming Pakistan tour, Laxman said it would be huge task to play them in their soil. "It would be a challenge to play Pakistan in Pakistan. They have potentially good bowlers".
Pathan, who made an invaluable 82 which was his second half century knock in a row following his 93 in the second Test at Delhi, said his batting had improved a lot of late. "It would have been great if I had got my (maiden Test) hundred. I was stroking the ball well. It was very satisfying as both Muralitharan and Malinga were also bowling well today. My batting has improved a lot," he said. Asked to compare his effort in Delhi to the one in this match, the 21-year-old Baroda player said he had enjoyed both the knocks as India were in difficult situation on both the occasions.
"The situation was demanding here. (Here) I was more positive while playing Murali". Asked about his batting skills he said, "I am trying to keep my feet on the ground and not worry about results". (Agencies)
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