Youngsters deserve to play NZ series

Hyderabad: VVS Laxman feels the New Zealand Test series will be a big opportunity for the youngsters to gain confidence ahead of the overseas tours next year, as they would be playing an "inexperienced Kiwi attack".

"I stick to my belief to give opportunity to the youngsters against the inexperienced New Zealand attack. I believe this is the right time to move on as youngsters should get an opportunity to play in home conditions, keeping in mind the overseas tours next year," Laxman told the mediapersons here on Saturday after announcing his retirement with immediate effect.

"I agree that I have disappointed a lot of well wishers starting with my family. They must have wanted me to play the last Test at Hyderabad but I apologise for probably not giving them the opportunity to see me in action for one last time."

VVS Laxman feels the New Zealand Test series will be a big opportunity for the youngsters to gain confidence.

The Hyderabadi stylist did admit that the "last four or five days were toughest in his international career".

"I have heard eminent sportspersons saying that a time comes when one gets a feeling that his/her day has come. I experienced that over the last four or five days. I have always listened to my inner conscience and that is probably the reason I chose cricket over medicine when I was 17," the veteran of 134 Tests said.

"The inner voice is a divine voice. Late until last night, I wasn't able to make up my mind but I have always given a lot of importance to team's requirements as country's interest comes ahead of personal aspirations."

Laxman informed that he had communicated his decision to the selectors and the BCCI president this morning itself. "I only communicated it to the chairman of selection committee this morning that I won't continue playing cricket. I have decided to hang my boots with immediate effect," Laxman said.

When asked who was the toughest bowler he faced in this 16-year career, Laxman said Pakistan's legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram was extremely tough to deal with. "The toughest bowler was Wasim Akram for the variations and skills he had. He was master of the variations," he said.

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