Laxman said he has always liked playing in such situations. "I always feel I would like to play under such situations, whenever the team requires me to perform. I love such situations, and I am happy that I have done well,” Laxman said after making an unbeaten 57.

"The situation was definitely tense because we had lost three quick wickets after lunch. So it was very important that me and Dhoni, who is a positive player, put up that partnership. It was very important at that stage of the game. It was one of the most important knocks of my career," he added.

On his knock, Laxman said, "I was just playing to the merit of the ball and I was concentrating on developing a partnership."

The elegant batsman said the first session on Saturday would be crucial. "The wicket is still low and slow, so it is very important that we get off to a good start tomorrow morning. The first session will be very crucial and if we can take a good lead, then we can put them under pressure. As of now, the match is evenly poised."

Batting in the fourth innings, Laxman said, would pose a huge challenge. "Definitely it will be a tough challenge because the wicket is deteriorating and it is getting low and slow. It is very difficult to set a target but we want to get as close as possible during the fourth innings. We also have to try and bowl them out quickly in the second innings."

Laxman said spin duo Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble will have a vital role to play. "Harbhajan and Anil have always won us games. Over the last few years, they have been match-winners. They will play a very crucial role tomorrow."

He also picked Pakistan pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir for special praise. "We lost quick wickets after lunch. It was good swing bowling from Shoaib and Tanvir. I think all of the wickets were off wicket-taking deliveries. It was unfortunate that Sachin got out in that fashion. Among them, Tanvir is a very different kind of bowler, so it is very important to get used to his style. But Shoaib was the best."

Laxman expressed surprise that his place in the team was being constantly questioned. "It is really surprising that my place is being questioned because I had a really good Test series in England where I averaged more than 50 and people still doubt my place. As I said earlier, it is not in my control and it is always feel good when your captain has faith in you."