100th Test very special: Kumble

Leg-spinner Anil Kumble termed his 100th Test appearance for India "very special".

"It is quite emotional to achieve the landmark. It is very special to be part of that elite group. It's a nice feeling to play 100 Test matches," the 35-year-old said, after the opening day's play in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Kumble received a special memento from teammate Sachin Tendulkar on behalf of the Indian team before the start of the match.

"The memento I received from Tendulkar had the autographs of all the members of the Indian team, so it was special. Sometimes words, even though not spoken, say much in itself; the respect that they have shown over the years, the body language and the interaction has been very special," he said.

The veteran leggie said "it is disappointing to see his Karnataka teammate Rahul Dravid miss out on a match for the first time since making his debut in 1996".

Asked as to how long he plans to continue playing, he replied: "As long as I am enjoying and picking wickets and performing for the team, I will continue."

India finished day one on 247 for 6 and Kumble said the team's main aim tomorrow would be crossing the 300-run mark first and then look beyond that.

"It's always nice to bowl when you have runs on the board. Our first target will be 300 and then build on after that," he said.