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India Test batsman VVS Laxman is relishing taking on master spinner Shane Warne in the English County Championship next week.

Laxman, fresh from helping India to a Test series win over England, will make his debut as a Lancashire player against Warne’s Hampshire at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

The clash will bring back memories of Laxman’s 281 that helped win the Calcutta Test match against Australia in 2001 where India stunned Australia — Shane Warne included — with a 171-run victory in spite of being made to follow on.

“It’s always great to come up against a legend like Warne, and I am obviously looking forward to facing him again,” Laxman told the Manchester Evening News. “You just always have to back yourself to do well against people like that,” he expressed.

“That innings of 281 was a very big influence on my career. To come back and win a game like that gave the whole nation a belief that we were strong,” he remarked.

“Now that has gone, I want to do well for Lancashire. I always look forward to playing against such top class players. There is real satisfaction about playing well against these bowlers,” he added.

Laxman also said he will miss Warne, who has retired from international cricket, when India tour Down Under in the winter.

“Luckily I have one more opportunity against him,” said the Indian batsman who finished the series against England with 205 runs, two half centuries, and an average of 51.25.

“It has been a great few weeks for the team and for me. It is an honour to have been part of the win in England,” added the batsman.

“I have been happy with my contribution because I have been consistent, even though I didn’t get a big 100 in three matches. I want to continue that consistency, and play some good innings for Lancashire,” he further added.

Source:Cricket News