Kolkata: Relieved at getting his first Test hundred in 16 matches, VVS Laxman agreed that there is something about his relationship with Eden Gardens, but added that today’s innings against the West Indies was not that challenging.
This was Laxman’s 17th century, coming after a gap of 15 months, having scored his last (103 not out) against Sri Lanka in August 2010.
“I have always enjoyed batting at the Eden Gardens. Not only batting, all the Tests I played here I really enjoyed playing here. It’s a great ground with great history. Even as there were not many spectators in the Test, people of Kolkata make it special. It’s a special ground for all of us,” Laxman told reporters after his fifth century at the venue.
“It was a relief to get a hundred. The last one was against Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in the third Test where the team was under tremendous pressure. After that I played knocks in pressure situations,” Laxman said.
Laxman, who had struck a career-best 281 not out at this venue against Australia in 2001, said when he went out to bat, at 205 for three, things were a lot easier.
“Luckily in this Test (Virender) Sehwag and (Gautam) Gambhir gave us a good start. Obviously Rahul and Sachin too had a good partnership. So when I went into bat the position was not very challenging.”
“But it was important for us to build a partnership that’s what Rahul and I tried to do. Seeing the nature of the wicket where it deteriorates on the third and fourth day, it was important to get a big score in the first innings. The stylish Hyderabadi said it was pleasing to get to the three-figure mark. “It was satisfying to get a hundred after a long gap. Even though I’ve a few fifties under my belt, it’s always satisfying when you get a hundred,” Laxman said. (PTI)
