HYDERABAD, India (CMC) – VVS Laxman said India’s three-Test series is the beginning of their campaign to regain the World No.1 status.
The Indian batting stylist was speaking before he headed to Delhi for the first Test of the series, starting on Sunday. “After the dismal series in England, the Tests against West Indies are very important,” he told the Hindu newspaper.
“We hope to start on a very positive note and get back into the winning mood once again ahead of the Australian tour.”
India arrived in England last summer as the No.1 Test side in the World, but conceded the title to their hosts, after they were swept 4-0.
“In Test cricket, no team can be a push-over,” he said. “You can never underestimate any team at this level.
“And, mind you, the West Indies is a side with some very talented cricketers. Importantly, it seems to be playing to its potential in Bangladesh.”
Laxman added: “When you play for your country, everything else takes a backseat. I always believed in staying focused on the immediate challenges. And I look at West Indies series as yet another one.
“For me, the preparations have been the same since I made my Test debut in 1996.”
Laxman noted that India’s success over England on home soil in a series of limited-overs matches should restore some confidence to the side.
“It is an important result for the Test team too, as it prepares for the long journey ahead to be back at the top in this format of the game,” he said.
“I think we should not bother too much about the opposition’s strong points or weaknesses. I always believed that it is imperative that we play to our strengths instead of looking too much at the rival side.”
It’s the first time in nine years that West Indies will be playing Tests in India. On their previous trip, Carl Hooper’s side lost a three-match series to Sourav Ganguly’s team 2-0.