By IANS
New Delhi : India’s middle-order batsman V.V.S. Laxman said Friday that he wants to take it day by day and indicated that the morning session on the third day will be crucial in deciding the fate of the first Test against Pakistan.
“We just want to take it day by day. Tomorrow (Saturday), morning session will be very crucial. The ball is still moving and the Pakistan bowlers are bowling well,” said Laxman at the end-of-the-day press conference at the Feroze Shah Kotla cricket stadium.
India were struggling at 228 for six at stumps on third day, still three runs in arrears on first innings. Laxman was batting on 57 and captain Anil Kumble was with him on seven. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (57) was the last wicket to fall.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan were bowled out for 231.
“The situation was tense, but I always wanted to perform in such conditions, when the team wants you. I just want to continue playing like this,” said Laxman.
Barring identical scores of 57 from both Laxman and Dhoni, the famed Indian batting line-up failed to live up to the expectations. Sachin Tendulkar (1) was run out while Sourav Ganguly’s (8) stumps were rattled by debutant Sohail Tanveer.
Twenty-two-year-old Tanveer also accounted for the prized wicket of Rahul Dravid (38) when the former captain looked good for a big score.
The India top order perished without a fight and at one point the hosts were struggling at 93 for five. Laxman and Dhoni then stitched a crucial partnership of 115 runs in 28.5 overs to bail India out of the precarious situation.
“I am happy that I could put up a good partnership with Dhoni. I was playing to the merit of the ball. It was also good to see Dhoni play in that way. It would have been better, if he (Dhoni) had stayed till the end of the day,” said Laxman.
Dhoni, known for his big hitting prowess, played uncharacteristically in a composed way and his 57 came off 93 balls.
Laxman explained that the main problem of the day was that India lost too many wickets in the middle overs.
“I think we lost too many wickets and failed to get a good partnership. Shoaib (Akhtar), (Mohammed) Sami and Sohail (Tanveer) bowled really well.
“Adjusting to Sohail’s style of bowling was difficult but facing him was easy. But I think Shoaib bowled the best,” said Laxman.
He also added that the match is still balanced and it would be crucial for India to take a good first innings lead. “The match is evenly poised and it will be good to take a first innings lead. I think a first innings lead of 250 will be good enough,” said Laxman.