Laxman keen to prove himself in one-dayers

"I made my prayers and decided that it is a case of now or never,'' India's new batting star V V S Laxman said on Friday, recalling his knock of 281 in Calcutta, which won India the second Test against Australia.

"I thought this is the best opportunity and I should fulfill the confidence reposed in me by the captain and selectors.

"I must say I enjoyed my batting thoroughly. I am happy that I had a role to play for our victory in the series," Laxman, who emerged India's highest scorer in the series, with an aggregate of 503 runs, said.

The Hyderabad batsman, who was promoted to bat at the crucial number three spot in Calcutta said the opportunity was "God's gift" to him.

"It (promotion in the batting order) must be because of my having done well both in Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy at the number three position."

He said he is now looking forward to doing well in the one-day series.

"Overall everything has come together and things are in place for me to prove my worth in the one-day series too. I have got another opportunity to prove myself in the shorter version of the game against the Australians. I am confident that I will do better," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor