VVS wants to make this NZ tour special

Laxman eager to improve on his record and help India win series

VVS wants to make this NZ tour special

India's young rockstars haven't really found their rhythm in New Zealand. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's boys haven't made the Kiwis dance to their tune. But this tour's main attraction is the much-anticipated batting show that will be put up by India's famed wizards in the longer version of the game.

VVS Laxman and Co have created a niche for themselves with their artistry everywhere they have gone, save that beautiful land. The batting heavyweights flew out early today morning for what will be their last chance to win over the New Zealand public.

Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar represent the golden period of India's middle-order and after their poor showing last time in New Zealand (2002-03), they are aware that their reputation is at stake.

"We have a batting line-up which has done well all over the world, so we will take that confidence to New Zealand.

"It is a challenge for us to do well in conditions where we haven't played too much cricket before and against an opposition we haven't played too much. Our experience of having done well overseas in the last four-five years gives us the confidence going into this series," Laxman told MiD DAY yesterday evening.

"It is a great opportunity for everyone to be part of something special because we have not won a Test series in New Zealand for 41 years. I am really looking forward to contributing to my team's victory."

Laxman, the stylish Hyderabad batsman who epitomises the artistry and flair of Indian batting, said to win in New Zealand would mean a lot to this batting unit.

"It all changed from 2001-02, when we started travelling much better. When we sit and look back, our wins in South Africa, in West Indies, in England, in Australia make us feel really proud.

Tough it out
"If we can do that in New Zealand it will be a proud moment. That is what you play for, to win in tough conditions and tough situations. The tour of New Zealand gives us just that opportunity," said Laxman.

Personally, Laxman will not be short of motivation. He has a lot of mental scars to get rid off. Playing there in 2002-03 represents the lowest period of his career. He got a pair in his first of the two Tests and his low scores in the one-dayers resulted in him being a scapegoat, eventually being dropped for the 2003 World Cup that followed.

Asked about the feelings of that tour, he said, "Disappointment... because we lost both the Test matches badly and I did not do well in both the Test matches.

"The entire team struggled because the wickets were not ideal. It was a disappointing moment at that time but I will go with a positive mindset this time and knowing that that it is a great opportunity for me and for the team to do something special. That is the kind of attitude I would like to take."

Laxman is not the one to speak openly about his feelings. "Yes, I am determined to do well," he said in his understated way.

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