Have been longing for this opportunity: Badrinath

Almost certain to make his Test debut against South Africa next month, Tamil Nadu batsman S Badrinath on Thursday said he has been longing for this opportunity.

The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu player is one of the six specialist batsmen named for India's first Test against the Proteas and Badrinath said he was fancying his chance.

"I have been waiting for this chance for a long time and was really looking forward to it," Badrinath told from Indore where he is leading South Zone against Central Zone in the semifinal of Duleep Trophy.

Badrinath have often been part of India's extended Test squad but never made it to the playing XI and now that he has a golden opportunity, the right-hander said he was not under any kind of pressure.

"I am not under any pressure when it comes to playing either Test or short versions of the game. I am well experienced to handle the different formats of the game," said the youngster.

"I always remain positive. I am geared up to sort out any situations against any attack and will try to be totally fit, both physically and mentally.

"I'm trying to maintain my form and grab the opportunity. It is a question of staying positive. It's going to be a challenging series," he said.