Kumble will play a huge role: Laxman

Cricket is usually not about flash and dash. Yet some exemplify that more than others and when they do reveal that there is the other side to their character too, it can come as something of a surprise.

Thus it was that Venkatasai Laxman, author of a reviving 79 in India’s second innings at the WACA Ground here on Friday that was far from his usual wristy elegance was unusually eloquent about his effort that saw India go from a rocky 125/5 all the way to 294 and a 400-plus chase for Australia.

"More than getting a hundred, it’s about helping the team to win matches," he said later. "And I enjoy playing under such situations. It’s been that way throughout, not only for India but for Hyderabad and South Zone as well.

"These situations seem to bring the best out of me. It was important to analyse the situation and I took maximum strike against Lee. R.P. was happy to face Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark at the other end.

"It was important to get past the 400 mark. That’s why the partnership with R.P. was important. Dhoni played a mature knock, he played to the situation like he’s been doing of late and R.P.’s effort was commendable. To bat like that against Australian quicks in Perth required a lot of determination and grit."

So what was it like out there? "When I went in to bat, I was not thinking about the bigger picture. It was important to develop partnerships — myself and Irfan built up a stand first and then with Dhoni and R.P.

"Also it was necessary to analyse the situation and judge it. We had to go according to the situation but I had confidence in my partners." On how he expected Saturday to go, Laxman said: "They will be under a lot of pressure. A 350-plus chase in the fourth inning, especially with the way our bowlers have been bowling will not be easy.

"Anil will be a key bowler tomorrow."

Michael Clarke got good bounce from the pitch so there is still life in the wicket. Anil will have a huge role to play now."

News Source : Samachar