Laxman wants to remain Very, Very Special

Laxman hit 281 on Australia’s previous tour in 2001, sparking an Indian comeback to win the second Test in Kolkata after being asked to follow on. India clinched the series 2-1. Laxman scored 503 runs and averaged 83.83 in that series.

Asked whether he saw himself playing a lead role in Tendulkar’s absence due to an elbow injury, Laxman said: “Yes. I play every match according to the situation. I would like to concentrate on the process and not think too much about the result.”

Australia’s stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist acknowledged Laxman’s threat when asked about Tendulkar’s absence.

“It is not a disappointment,” he said with a smile, but then added: “The game’s better with him. But with due respect to Sachin, he hasn’t been the one who has done the damage in the last two series. It has been the Laxmans and Dravids who have done it. So we have to get them.”

Rahul Dravid hit 180 to amass a record 376-run stand with Laxman in the Kolkata Test in 2001 and a match-winning 233 in the second Test in Adelaide late last year.