Laxman in positive mood for Zimbabwe series

India's new cricket hero Vangipurappu Laxman says he is determined to help his country end their woeful recent record in overseas Test series.

India, who have won just one Test abroad in the last eight years, leave on May 25 for Zimbabwe, where they will play two Tests against their hosts, and a one-day triangular series also involving the West Indies.

"My immediate goal is the Zimbabwe series. As a team, we've been working hard and the object is winning matches abroad," Laxman said on Thursday. "I'll be thrilled if I can contribute to that."

The 26-year-old shot to fame with a record-breaking 281 that helped India to a 2-1 Test series win against the visiting Australians earlier this year.

"I have learnt a lot in various parts of the world," he said. "Not only technically, but even in the mental aspect I'm more sound than when I started playing."

Laxman has overcome adversity to cement his place in India's side. Unable to break into a middle-order that boasted Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin, he was forced to open the innings.

POOR PERFORMANCES

He did not perform well, though, and was heavily criticised for failing to make the most of his many chances.

"When the selectors asked me to open, I took it up as a challenge," he said. "But I realised after my experiences as an international opener that it was a specialised job."

Last year he declined to open the innings.

"That was the best decision I have ever made," Laxman said. "As an opener I wasn't playing my natural game. I knew it may reduce my chances of playing for my country but I decided to enjoy my cricket and to bat only in the middle-order."

The decision paid off and he scored heavily in Indian domestic cricket. He was recalled to play against Zimbabwe in last year's two-Test home series, which India won 1-0.

Earlier this year, Laxman was promoted to number three in the second innings of the second Test against Australia after he scored a fighting 59 in the first innings.

SUPERB KNOCK

His superb knock of 281 helped India win the Test after following on. He also became the highest Indian run scorer in an innings, breaking Sunil Gavaskar's 18-year-old record of 236 not out.

"I knew the team expected to lot from me when the captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright told me to pad up as a number three in the second innings," Laxman said.

"I decided to settle down, play as long as I could. Luckily I hung on."

India clinched the Test and went on to win the series.

"A lot of people say I inspired the side, but I'm not all that sure. I think it was a team effort. But there's no denying that knock has had a great impact on me."

Mail Cricket Editor