Ton-up Laxman rues he could not take India past follow on mark

Basseterre, St Kitts, June 26 (UNI) VVS Laxman's 10th Test century could not have come at a better time but the stylish Hyderabadi is far from satisfied and feels India could have avoided the follow on -- even though West Indies didn't enforce that -- if he could carry on a bit more.

''I didn't score runs in the first two matches but when the situation demanded I scored. It was important to build partnerships and I am happy that I could contribute to the team's cause,'' Laxman said.

''I am disappointed that I didn't carry on after my hundred.

Even tough it was a very good ball that dismissed me, if I would have batted for 10 -15 more overs I would have got a big hundred and saved the follow on situation,'' he added.

Right from the start of his career, Laxman has always been under pressure to prove his place in the side. The two failures in the first two Tests added on the pressure as the team is without Sachin Tendulkar and when the Master Blaster returns, somebody in the middle order would have to make way for him.

''When you play Test cricket there would be competition for places in the squad. It is good thing to have competition and all good teams have it. But while playing you don't think about that but concentrate on match and score runs,'' Laxman said.

''I don't think of things that are not in my control. As long as I prepare hard and score runs for country I am happy. Why my place is under situation is something you have to ask selectors or team management. But I am happy with the team management as they have always given me the responsibility that a senior player demands,'' he added.

Laxman said building partnerships was very important after three wickets fell in the morning and praised Anil Kumble for his well made 39.

''Since last one year there has been drastic change in his batting style. It is good to see him getting runs in such aggressive fashion. I have had some good partnerships with him. The best was against South Africa in Port Elizabeth where we were trying to save follow on and we succeeded. This one is also very special too,'' Laxman said about his partnership with Kumble.

Meanwhile, West Indies skipper Brian Lara also praised Laxman's knock saying that he started excellently and showed lots of responsibility.

''He is a class player whom we found hard to uproot. Today was one of special innings from him,'' he added.

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