Nov 30, 2006, 14:48 GMT
Hyderabad, Nov 30 (IANS) Stylish batsman V.V.S. Laxman is happy over being named as vice captain of the Indian cricket team for the test series against South Africa.
'I am happy that I have been given this honour and I will try my best to fulfil the responsibility,' he told newsmen before leaving for South Africa to join the team for the final one day international and test series.
Laxman refused to say anything more on his elevation.
It is a strange quirk of events for Laxman, who was not picked up for the one-day series. He was not only called as replacement for Dravid and included in the team but also made vice captain.
Laksham's friends and well wishers welcomed the decision and hoped that this would help him fulfil his long cherished dream of playing in the World Cup next year.
Former test cricketer Arshad Ayub hailed the decision. 'He is a good thinker and I think he will be a big asset to the team as vice captain,' Ayub told IANS.
'Laxman has always been a good performer. His capabilities as a batsman were never in doubt. He should not have been ignored for one day series,' he said.
Ayub said the team would benefit from the experience of Laxman, who performed well during 1996 and 2001 tours of South Africa.
The former cricketer, however, said the decision to appoint Laxman as vice-captain was not a guarantee that he would have a permanent place in the team. 'It depends on his performance,' he said.
'Laxman's rich experience will be of immense help to the team at this critical juncture,' said cricket analyst Chandramohan. He feels that Laxman's return would help the team management in building a strong side for the coming World Cup.
Despite good performance, Laxman was ignored many a time for one-day series. He was also ignored for the earlier world cups.
The young cricketers and cricket lovers have also welcomed Laxman's elevation. 'It augurs well for the Indian team which is passing through a difficult phase,' said Sridhar Reddy, a young cricketer at Parade Grounds.
'Justice has been finally done. Laxman deserved his honour. He should be a permanent part of the team for both tests and one dayers,' said Y. Raju, another young cricketer.
Laxman, 32, has played 77 tests, scoring 4,698 runs including 10 centuries at an average of 42.70.
He played 85 one-day matches scoring 2,338 runs including six centuries at an average of 31.17.
© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service
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