Durban, Dec 29: Second innings hero VVS Laxman contributed to another famous Indian win with a vital 96-run knock at Durban during the second Test against South Africa. The crisis-man stood tall against the pace battery of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Jacques Kallis and Tsotsobe proving why he is held in such high regard by cricket connoisseurs.
The soft-spoken Hyderabadi lauded his teammates for putting up a brave fight and helping the team register a comeback in the three-match Test series.
Excerpts from an interview
On making yet another match-winning contribution
Yeah, it a great feeling to bounce back after what happened in Centurion and come back strongly. I think full credit [is due] to the boys - the way they backed each other going into this game. I think full credit [is due] to the team the way we fought and we showed a lot of character and hopefully we will continue that even in Cape Town.
On how he changed his approach after missing out in the first Test
I thought I got [a] good ball in the first half, in the first innings at Centurion, and in the second innings it was not the right shot to be played. But, saying that, I came here with a positive mind but the most important thing was adjusting to the bounce and the wicket. Everyone knows that in Durban there is steep bounce, getting used to the bounce was very crucial. And as you mentioned earlier, I just wanted to go through the tough phase because their bowlers were on top in both the innings. I just wanted to build a partnership with the other guys. It's great that we pulled it off - especially the partnership with Zaheer [Khan] was very important in the context of the game. He showed a lot of character and played aggressive cricket.
On how high he rates his knock of 96
Yes, definitely [pretty high], because I always take pride in what I do overseas. As an individual, I always take pride [in my overseas performances] and beating South Africa in South Africa, and that too in Durban, and contributing to this win, I think is definitely up there.
