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Wicket isn�t doing enough for bowlers: Laxman

By The Assam Tribune

HYDERABAD, Nov 15 (PTI): VVS Laxman feels the presence of a famed batting line-up and the pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium should work to India�s advantage even if New Zealand manage to set the hosts a competitive fourth-innings target on the fifth and final day of the second Test here.

�The target is to keep the lead under 225. Even if the required rate is five, there should not be a problem as we have got a very strong batting line-up and the nature of the wicket will help us,� Laxman said after New Zealand finished the day at 237 for four to acquire a lead of 115 runs.

Asked about the team�s plans for tomorrow, Laxman said, �We will look to get two early wickets and then get into the tail.�

On the nature of the wicket, he said, �The wicket is not doing enough for bowlers. There is bounce but no turn and that�s why I think our bowlers have done a very good job today.�

�Indian wickets normally take turn on the fourth and fifth day and that�s why I am a bit surprised. But it is better than Ahmedabad (where there was no bounce and turn),� he added.

That India have the upper hand going into the final day is due to Harbhajan Singh�s exploits with bat in the hosts� first innings and the stylish Hyderabadi knows it well too.

�He was outstanding. He has worked very hard on his batting. He saved us in Ahmedabad and gave us the edge here,� Laxman said.

Dwelling on contributions from India�s lower-order batsmen in recent years, Laxman said that coach Gary Kirsten played a huge part towards that.

�Our lower order takes great pride in batting well and Gary has instilled the importance of that in the team,� he said.

Reminded that Sachin Tendulkar today completed 21 years in international cricket Laxman said, �A star was born on this day. Sachin�s contribution is unbelievable and he is a very humble guy. He still practises like a kid, as if he is playing in his first Test.�

Coming into the series as rank outsiders after a 0-4 drubbing in an ODI series against Bangladesh, New Zealand have exceeded expectations with their spirited display here, but Laxman felt the Kiwis have always been a tough team to beat.

�New Zealand have always been tough and there�s nothing new about that. In 2003 also, they fought very well. They are good players of spin bowling,� Laxman said.

Playing his first Test at his home ground, Laxman delighted the crowd here with his wristy strokes before getting out for 74, yesterday, but he seemed content.

�I am quite happy with the way I batted. But a hundred would have been better in front of the home crowd and my coaches,� Laxman said.

Asked about the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), Laxman said it was for the BCCI to decide whether to implement the system or not.

�The umpires� job in the middle is tough but if it helps them then I am for it. But it is for the BCCI to decide,� he said.

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