India's first innings centurion VVS Laxman complimented the tail-enders for their contribution towards India's respectable total of 398 all out against Sri Lanka on day two of the third and final Test at the Sardar Patel stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, on Monday.
India were reduced to 125 for 5 at the end of day 1, before the lower order batsman prospered in Laxman's company and rallied the team to safety.
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"There was a lot of pressure when I came on to bat yesterday. The situation demanded that I play a long innings and I am pleased that I was able to do that," a delighted Laxman told reporters at the end of the second day's play.
India amassed 398 in the first innings before Harbhajan Singh took four wickets for 24 runs to reduce Sri Lanka to 131 for 5 and take control of the Test.
Laxman said the pitch improved a bit today, making it easier for the batsmen in the morning.
"This morning the pitch was much better than yesterday. Yesterday there was too much moisture on the pitch and the ball was gripping and turning a lot. But today it was better for batting," he said.
He also praised Irfan Pathan, who scored 82, adding 125 runs for the seventh wicket with him.
"I have seen Pathan grow up as a cricketer. It's really to see that he has worked on his batting lately. I must really congratulate him for the hard work that he put in the nets," the Hyderabadi said of his teammate.
"He has become more mature now. The Pakistan's tour of India earlier in the year proved to be the turning point in his career. He had this injury problem, which he overcame. I am very impressed by him; he just concentrates on improving as a cricketer," Laxman added.
Pathan missed out on a Test century for the second consecutive time in the series, after being dismissed for 93 in the second Test at New Delhi.
"I have got no complaints on missing out on a century. I got a good ball and I got out; that's how it is. I really can't do much about that."
"However, I must say that my batting has improved a lot lately. When I came on to bat yesterday, Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga were bowling well, but I played well and I am quite pleased with that. I tried to be positive and looked to score runs and I think it worked," Pathan said.
He said he enjoyed this innings more than the one at Delhi.
"The situation was more difficult this time than in Delhi, where I opened."
He said he won't let the recent success carry him away or steal his focus.
"Cricket is a very funny game. You never know what will happen tomorrow, so I am trying to keep my feet firmly on the ground and not get carried away," Pathan added.
