<p>“You always want to prove yourself against the toughest opposition. Most of the Australian teams I have played against had some great players, and it was a challenge to take them on. It has always brought the best out of me,” said Laxman.<br /><br />India will begin their tour to Australia with the first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting December 26.<br /><br />The Aussies have suffered the most at the hands of the Hyderabadi batsman.<br />The 37-year-old’s wristy strokes and calm demeanor made many Australian bowlers toil hard and ponder.<br />Michael Clarke’s new-look Australia may have dropped down the world rankings, there was no hint of complacency from Laxman.<br />“Australia’s fighting spirit and the refusal to give up make them the toughest opponents. They will not give you anything easily. Even at under-19 level, it was that way. They were very aggressive and they are quick to identify your weaknesses,” Laxman told WISDEN Extra.<br />Laxman said that he has always enjoyed pitches where the ball comes on to the bat.<br />“I have always enjoyed pitches where there is pace and bounce. Australian grounds also tend to have fast outfields where you get full value for your shots,” he said. <br />Laxman’s game assumes an all together different significance when it comes to Aussies, whom he has tormented for years.<br />In 25 Tests against Australia, Laxman averages 55.58, including his memorable innings of 281 at Kolkata in March 2001, which inspired India to a famous victory after following on.<br />In his 11 Tests in Australia, Laxman has scored four centuries, including three (167, 178 and 109) at the SCG.<br />But going into the Melbourne Test, Laxman will have a point to prove as he averages only 18.50 from three matches there, with a highest score of just 42.<br />Laxman’s affection for cricket in Australia goes back as far as his schooldays.<br />“As a young boy, I used to wake up early in the morning to watch cricket from Australia, when we had a telecast, and I loved to listen to the likes of Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell give insights about the game. To actually make runs there was something special,” he said. <br />PTI<br /></p>
<p>“You always want to prove yourself against the toughest opposition. Most of the Australian teams I have played against had some great players, and it was a challenge to take them on. It has always brought the best out of me,” said Laxman.<br /><br />India will begin their tour to Australia with the first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting December 26.<br /><br />The Aussies have suffered the most at the hands of the Hyderabadi batsman.<br />The 37-year-old’s wristy strokes and calm demeanor made many Australian bowlers toil hard and ponder.<br />Michael Clarke’s new-look Australia may have dropped down the world rankings, there was no hint of complacency from Laxman.<br />“Australia’s fighting spirit and the refusal to give up make them the toughest opponents. They will not give you anything easily. Even at under-19 level, it was that way. They were very aggressive and they are quick to identify your weaknesses,” Laxman told WISDEN Extra.<br />Laxman said that he has always enjoyed pitches where the ball comes on to the bat.<br />“I have always enjoyed pitches where there is pace and bounce. Australian grounds also tend to have fast outfields where you get full value for your shots,” he said. <br />Laxman’s game assumes an all together different significance when it comes to Aussies, whom he has tormented for years.<br />In 25 Tests against Australia, Laxman averages 55.58, including his memorable innings of 281 at Kolkata in March 2001, which inspired India to a famous victory after following on.<br />In his 11 Tests in Australia, Laxman has scored four centuries, including three (167, 178 and 109) at the SCG.<br />But going into the Melbourne Test, Laxman will have a point to prove as he averages only 18.50 from three matches there, with a highest score of just 42.<br />Laxman’s affection for cricket in Australia goes back as far as his schooldays.<br />“As a young boy, I used to wake up early in the morning to watch cricket from Australia, when we had a telecast, and I loved to listen to the likes of Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell give insights about the game. To actually make runs there was something special,” he said. <br />PTI<br /></p>
