Laxman confident of staging a comeback in ODIs

Bangalore, May 1 (UNI) Veteran Team India batsman V V S Laxman today exuded confidence that he would play a consistently and perform well in the longer version of the game in the forthcoming tour of West Indies and stage a comeback in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

''I am not part of the ODI team... They have picked youngsters.

However, I am confident of doing well in the Test matches in West Indies. I will definitely be included in the ODIs. I am just looking forward to grab the opportunity,'' the dashing Hyderabadi batsman told reporters after inaugurating the annual activities of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the year 2006.

Laxman said he was looking forward to the tour of West Indies and hoped that the experience he had gained while playing two series e earlier on the Carribean soil would help in performing this time.

''I have done well in West Indies in 1997 and 2002. Knowing the condition there will definitely help me to perform consistently.'' Asked about the wicket condition in West Indies, he said ''In the late 70s and the early 80s it was much quicker than what it is now.

Due to overuse of wicket, except for Barbados and Jamaica, other wickets are slow and low.'' To another question, Laxman said he was confident of finding a place for himself in the team for World Cup 2007. ''Playing in the World Cup is one of my dreams. Unfortunately I did not play during the 2003 cup. However, there is a lot of time now and several series coming up before the World Cup. If I do well, I will be selected in the World Cup team.'' Asked whether inclusion of more youngsters in the team was affecting the performance of seniors, the 32-year-old batsman said ''Youngsters coming up, it is good bit, it is the way it should be.

You don't want a weak bunch. It is a good sign for Indian cricket.

You should not be individualistic. It is a team game and whoever is given an opportunity should do well for the country, names does not matter as long as they are performing and winning the matches for the country.'' (Eds: here pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI MSP RG HVB1612