Laxman thrilled to have broken
a 'legend's record'

Rifat Jawaid in Calcutta

VVS Laxman, who created a history of sorts at Calcutta's Eden Gardens on Wednesday with an unbeaten 275 against Australia in the second Test, said he is thrilled to have broken a "legend's record".

Addressing a news conference after the fourth day's play, Laxman said his next target would be the triple hundred milestone. He, however, quickly added that much would depend on the strategy the team management adopts on Thursday morning.

"We will try and score quick runs tomorrow [Thursday] morning. If we are asked to bat for a little longer, obviously, I will try and reach the magic figure of three hundred."

As for surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's 236, which was the highest by an Indian in Test cricket, Laxman said: "It's always a great honour to better a legend's record. After all, Gavaskar has been regarded as one of India's legendary cricketing figures," he said.

The stylish Hyderabad batsman revealed that it was the team management's strategy to bat session by session without losing a wicket.

Commenting on his flawless batting, Laxman said the success of his long knock was in his plan to treat the balls according to their merit.

He praised the Aussies for the manner in which they applauded him soon after he completed his maiden double century.

"The Australians are very sporting in nature despite being a thoroughly professional side. Even when I had scored 167 in Australia against them, almost all the Australians had come to pat my back," Laxman remarked.

Team manager Chetan Chauhan too expressed gratitude to all the players on the behalf of Board of Cricket for Control in India. He said the superb batting by Rahul Dravid and Laxman had taken India from the point of defeat to a position where they could now think in terms of victory.

Mail your comments