The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Laxman a big hit at Lancashire

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Laxman a big hit at Lancashire

Special Correspondent

— File Photo

V.V.S. Laxman.

NEW DELHI: V.V.S. Laxman, during the course of just five matches that he played for Lancashire, won the hearts of the connoisseurs and the laymen alike.

In carving two centuries, one of them described as ‘sublime’ by the British media, Laxman demonstrated the silken batsmanship that he has come to signify at the highest level of the game.

An aggregate of 380 runs in eight innings, with two centuries and two half centuries, earned him an average of 55, enough to boost his popularity at Manchester.

In three one-day matches, he scored 161 runs at an average of 90 and a strike rate of 92.

His fan club stretched to all counties as he brought class and style to batting with his effervescent knocks.

Tough journey

For Laxman, once described as a perfect captaincy material by Sunil Gavaskar and recently rated high for the job by Steve Waugh, it has been a tough journey.

He lost the number three slot to Rahul Dravid despite that epic 281 at Kolkata and a sterling 69 on a treacherous pitch at Mumbai when India beat Australia in 2004.

“Ideally number three slot suits me but then Rahul has been doing wonderfully well. I am happy to bat at number six because it puts enormous responsibility,” said Laxman, speaking to The Hindu from London.

He was vice-captain for India’s last tour to South Africa and remains a contender for the top job this season.

“We have an important season; Pakistan at home, tour to Australia, South Africa at home. I want to make sure it becomes my best season ever.

Against Australia

“Playing against Australia is always special. It is the best team in the world. Scoring runs overseas adds quality to your career. Earlier, we never used to do well overseas but we have changed that now. India has begun to do well outside India,” said Laxman.

Reflecting on the last season, Laxman observed, “Last season had the highs and lows. It was important to score at St. Kitt’s (100 and 63 not out) and Johannesburg (28 and 73). I was happy with the way I played in England because I could deliver in the three Tests.

“An average of 52 at number six was not bad. True I didn’t get a big century. I would like to make some big centuries this season.”

Laxman was a big hit at Lancashire when he replaced Brad Hodge in the second half of the summer.

He got just five matches and eight innings but made an impact to win the hearts of the fans.

Pulsating finish

In a pulsating finish to the championship, Lancashire finished third, losing to Sussex by 24 runs after being set a target of 498.

“It was a difficult situation. 498 to win and we almost did it. I had to adapt and score briskly,” said Laxman, who smashed a 97-ball hundred.

Lancashire was a fine learning experience. “I scored runs when the team demanded. I hit my quickest century (against Sussex) and I really enjoyed the responsibility, adapting, getting big scores.”

A teetotaller, Laxman preferred spending the time with his family. “There was no compulsion to visit the bar to meet the members as one had heard about county cricket culture.

There is so much of travelling, play and pack, play and pack. I enjoyed driving my wife (Shailaja) and son (Sarvajit) around. I won’t mind going back next season too.”

County cricket

On his short but eventful stint in England, Laxman noted, “One must play county cricket. I regret why I didn’t accept an offer five years ago. It helps you become a complete cricketer.

As an overseas pro, the responsibilities grow and you learn to switch on and switch off. I feel the intensity in county cricket is much more than what you see in the Ranji Trophy.”

Elaborating, Laxman said, “The pitches are different in various counties. The ball seams and bounces; some of the tracks are slow also but there is always something for the bowler too.

You have to be at your best. It is very competitive because there are no points for first innings lead.”

The difference, as Laxman pointed out, was in the approach. “You just go out and try to win the game. I am happy I played for Lancashire. It’s a great place.”

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