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We're lucky to have Fletcher: Laxman

It has just been a few weeks since Duncan Fletcher took over as India's coach but senior batsman VVS Laxman says the team is already bowled over by his knowledge of the game and feels "lucky" to have him on board.

"We are very lucky to have someone like Duncan with us because he is a very experienced and very mature person. I feel I can learn from him. There is always scope for improving and having discussions with someone like Duncan can only make you a better cricketer," Laxman said.

"I talked with him a lot in the West Indies, especially about technique, and I found him really knowledgeable in that respect," he added.

100th Test as coach

The veteran batsman said his own experience of working with the 62-year-old has been excellent and he has come to admire the former England coach's knowledge of the game.

"It has been brilliant working with Duncan. The time we spent with him in West Indies was very encouraging and you know from just talking to him that he has such a deep knowledge of the game," he said.

The four-Test series against England starting July 21 is being touted as India's first big challenge since becoming the world number one but Laxman said his side has got nothing to prove.

"The Lord's Test is going to be his 100th as a coach, which is a great achievement in itself, and he will be the first coach to achieve it," Laxman said of the coach who took over in the just-concluded tour of the West Indies from South African Gary Kirsten.

Challenging series

"We don't see it as being about proving ourselves the top nation. We just want to concentrate on winning each and every Test match, rather than thinking about number games and rankings," Laxman added.

"It is going to be a highly challenging series for us without a doubt because England have a very good side. They have a very formidable and balanced bowling attack with some real match-winners.

"But I firmly believe that if we play to our potential we can beat any side in world cricket. We are looking forward to playing to our strengths and continuing the good work we have done in recent years. We will concentrate fully on our own performances and preparation and if we do that we can definitely do well here," he added.