Venu toes the Laxman rekha

In the absence of VVS Laxman, who opted out hours before the match due to a niggling back injury, and with the exception of Rahul Dravid&#14...

In the absence of VVS Laxman, who opted out hours before the match due to a niggling back injury, and with the exception of Rahul Dravid’s half-century, debutant Yalaka Venugopala Rao was the only silver streak of an unimpressive Indian innings.

Rao, who admits to be being ‘‘majorly’’ influenced by Dravid and Laxman, had both his idols to thank for his impressive display with the bat. Laxman, for his inclusion in the team, and Dravid’s presence at the other end while he was at the crease.

Venu told The Sunday Express that the lack of a pro-active set-up in Dambulla had helped his cause. ‘‘The ability to chalk out cheeky singles and play the ball on its merit was what coach Greg Chappell advised me’’, he said.

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It appeared that Venu’s batting — particularly towards the end of the Indian innings — seemed to buckle under pressure following Dravid’s dismissal. And he lost his wicket when he should have batted till the end of the innings.

But the man disputes that theory. ‘‘That was not the case. The situation needed a little change in the way I had been batting and so I began to go with the tide.’’

The Andhra batsman nevertheless appeared particularly happy with his 88-minute stay in the middle to score 38 runs. ‘‘I’m glad I contributed.’’

Looking ahead to the West Indies match, on Sunday, Venu is sure of stepping up the tempo. ‘‘My performance should hold me in good stead,’’ he said.

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The other debutant, Lucknow’s hard-hitting Suresh Raina, though had a harsh welcome to international cricket; falling for a first ball duck to Muthiah Muralitharan. But he did make an impression with his fielding — especially with the runout of Marvan Atapattu — giving India a great chance to run it around.

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