I had been waiting for the Test call: Suresh Raina

“Though I have played in 87 ODIs since making a debut in international cricket in 2005,however,playing in a Test has its own importance for any player. I hope to learn a lot from cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar,Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir,” the 23-year-old cricketer explained.

Raina feels that his century against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Nation Tournament final in Bangladesh last month has gone a long way in getting him selected in the Test squad. “You got to be a bit patient in Test matches and such an approach was exhibited at Mirpur (Bangladesh) ODI. I am happy that the century came just at the right time. My batting style in that 106 run knock showed how I have matured as a cricketer. Earlier,I used to be very aggressive with the bat from the very first ball I faced but over the years I have learnt to be patient and play according to the needs of the situation. At Bangladesh,when the scoreboard read 5 for 60 in the 11th over,I decided to play responsibly and I am thankful to God that I was able to blast a ton.”

Raina’s coach Deepak Sharma who taught him the finer points of the game at Sports College,Lucknow said that he had been waiting for this news for the past couple of years. “Raina deserves a Test cap as he has the ingredients needed to be a good Test player. He has achieved that kind of mental toughness which is required to be a good Test cricketer.”