Date:14/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/14/stories/2008031456822000.htm

Sport - Cricket

A challenging series: Laxman

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Venkatsai Laxman, who scored an impressive half century on Test debut against South Africa, feels that forthcoming home series against South Africa will be a challenging one for both teams.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch of the series broadcaster Neo Sports’s campaign ‘India’s Race to No. 1’ in Tests, Laxman said, “It’s important for India to start on a high. But South Africa has done well in India.

“The series is going to be competitive and challenging. The spinners will play a key role and the weather will be to our advantage.

“Their attack is similar to Australia’s. It would be a challenging series for both teams,” said Laxman.

Kirsten factor

When asked if India would have the advantage in having Gary Kirsten, a South African, as coach, he said: “He’s a professional cricketer and his inputs will help the team. We had a good interaction when he was in Australia (Perth and Adelaide Tests).

With India slated to host Australia and England at home later this year, Laxman said, “It’s going to be a hectic schedule for India in the next twelve months and hence it would be very demanding, physically and mentally.

Change in reputation

“India has changed its reputation as poor travellers. Our goal and ambition is to be the No. 1 Test team in the world. The performance against Australia will give us confidence, but in order to achieve the No. 1 position, we have to be consistent over the next 12 months,” added Laxman.

Also speaking on the occasion Ranjith Rajasekharan, vice-president marketing Neo Sports, said, “Neo Sports has planned many programming initiatives for this year. Peter Kirsten and Mohinder Amaranth will be in the studio right through the series and Kepler Wessels will be our key man at the three venues along with a few more.”