By IANS,
Kolkata: Having served Indian cricket with distinction for more than a decade, V.V.S. Laxman Tuesday said representing the country has always been a great motivation for him, and the Tests the most revered format of cricket.
“For me, Test cricket was always very very important. Representing the country was a great motivation for me right from my younger days,” Laxman told mediapersons after authoring a classic 143 on Day Three of the second Test against South Africa at his favourite hunting ground — Eden Gardens.
Laxman made his debut for India in 1996, and has so far accumulated 7136 runs in 110 Tests.
“I am really glad to play Test cricket and consistently doing well for the country. I don’t really miss playing T20 or the ODIs. I am quite happy that I am an important member of the Test side,” said the 35-year-old.
However, he called himself lucky that he was playing in English County cricket and the Indian Premier League, which kept him in prime fitness.
“I am quite lucky that I am playing first class cricket, the IPL… Even though there was a gap of six to eight months between the New Zealand tour and the Sri Lanka series, I was playing for Lancashire, which kept me fit and in good shape,” he said,.
Asked whether he had any message for young and aspiring cricketers, Laxman said: “Every youngster who plays for the country knows the responsibility to perform and consistently deliver for the team. It’s just about applying themselves.”
“The transition definitely is not so easy from domestic to international cricket. But I am glad that a lot of youngsters are coming up, especially they are winning matches in the One-dayers. Now they are coming into Test cricket as well,” he said.
Laxman cautioned them that the mental transition from domestic to Test cricket was tough.
“It’s all about the mental transition from domestic to Test cricket. Once they get through that phase, I am sure they will do well.”
He advised youngsters to be patient when on the fringes.
“I will ask them to be very patient. It’s just a phase. Once you settle down, it’s just about mental transition.”
“We have talented youngsters and they will do well in Test cricket,” he added.