Ton-up Kaif relieved after six years of waiting

St. Lucia, June 12 (UNI) Mohammad Kaif's maiden ton in the longer version of the game took him six painstaking years and the middle order batsman said achieving the personal milestone is as memorable as making his Test debut in 1999.

''Both are special. To play Test match for India and wear the Indian Test cap, to share the dressing room with players like Sachin Tendulkar and (Mohd) Azharuddin who have been my idol -- I had never thought before that I would play in the same eleven as them. It was very special. But today is a very special day for me as well,'' Kaif said after guiding India to a commanding 588 for eight with an unbeaten 148.

''I have waited long for this day. It's a moment of great happiness for me to get my first century and that too in a place where people are very passionate about the game. I'm even more elated because my team is in good position. We have dominated two days and hopefully would continue to do so,'' he added.

Kaif made his Test debut six years back against South Africa but in-and-out of the Test squad, he has played only 11 Test and his highest score was 91.

A true team man, Kaif is not fussy with his position in the batting order.

''I have never thought what my position is in the team, whether I would play in the eleven or not. These things are not in my hand but preparation is and I try to do my best.

''It's important to keep yourself spirited all the time and try to learn something new at the nets even when not playing,'' said Kaif.

Asked if he enjoyed batting as much as fielding, Kaif said, ''I try to enjoy my batting more than fielding. But the game is such that you might feel that it's a good day but it might not be that.

Cricket depends a lot on luck as well as on efforts and hard work. I enjoy fielding very much but I also try to top it with some good batting,'' said Kaif.

Kaif was also convinced that his maiden ton would do himself a world of good.

''It makes me believe in my ability, my talent and the hard work that I have put in all these years. I am taking great confidence from this knock,'' he added.

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