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Laxman eager to make up for lost chances in final
Having being forced to sit out for most part of the Asia Cup because of a knee injury, the stylish middle-order batsman is determined to make up for lost chances in the final with Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Having being forced to sit out for most part of the Asia Cup because of a knee injury, stylish middle-order batsman VVS Laxman is determined to make up for lost chances in the final against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
"I will be a turning out against a big team for the first time in the tournament. I am keen to do well," Laxman, who has been declared fit for the match, said after the nets at the Premadasa Stadium today.
Laxman has had a horrid Asia Cup having played in just two games against UAE and Bangladesh and missing the matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to injury.
"In fact I have hardly put bat to ball. I played 10 balls against UAE and could face only three against Bangladesh before victory was achieved."
Laxman has been a sideshow in this series as twice he has been hit in the same area of the left knee which has caused his poor turn-out for the team.
"Its been bad luck for me. But hopefully this is a thing of the past," he said.
Specially prepared pads for Laxman has been brought from India during this tournament. The pads are intended to protect his left knee which has had a chronic history of injury.
"Though the new pads are around I am not sure if I could be using it tomorrow. It depends on how I feel on the match day."
Laxman feels a certain sense of responsibility ahead of the final.
"Now that I am back, everyone is saying the team is at full strength. The word is the team is back to its strength of seven batsmen. There is a sense of responsibility and I am ready for it."
Laxman had all but been sent back home last Sunday when he failed to pass the fitness test for the tie against Pakistan. Later Indian captain Sourav Ganguly changed his mind and let him stay on, rather than look for replacement.
The matter had gone as far as the team management having spoken to chief national selector Syed Kirmani over phone for a replacement. But later, it was decided to give Laxman two extra days and then reassess his fitness after the game against Bangladesh last Tuesday.
