VIJAYAWADA, OCT 6: After a string of impressive performances as a wicket-keeper for the shorter version of the game, 23-year-old Andhra's Mannava Srikanth Prasad is set to make a mark in Tests.``I am delighted. And keen to perform for the team,'' was the crisp reaction to his selection for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins at Mohali on October 10.In a telephonic conversation from Guntur, Prasad, a former Hindu College student, said the exposure in different alien surfaces has done a lot of good to his psyche. ``The game has more to do with your mind. You need to have a strong will and a positive framework to excel in the international arena. My basics are good and my game style is more suited to the longer version. I'm keen to leave an indelible mark as a keeper-batsman.''Prasad made his debut in the triangular Coca Cola Cup tri-series featuring India, Bangladesh and Kenya. Later, he toured with the Indian team to the Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur.He won many accolades for hisaggressive knock against South Africa in the final at Nairobi. ``I played according to the team's strategy and I did my job. I am preparing mentally and technically to play anywhere in the order.''He thanked the out-going coach Anshuman Gaekwad and Krishnamachari Srikkanth for their encouragement. ``Now, the onus is on me to perform.''``I dedicate my selection to my three-month-old daughter Anjali, who is my lucky mascot, to my parents, wife and all my coaches and well-wishers,'' he said.
