Happy with the way I am going: Ambati Rayudu

His Test dream is not taking off despite decent domestic performances but Ambati Rayudu, who impressed against the Australians in a practice game here today, does not believe in cribbing and just wants to perform well in the games that he gets to play. Rayudu shone for the Board President's XI with an 87 again st the Australians in a practice game that ended in a draw on Wednesday.

"I'm really happy that I batted well today. Just want to keep doing well in whatever games I get to play," replied the 27-year-old when asked whether he feels he is close to making a Test breakthrough.

"To be honest, I'm just happy that I'm doing well and I'm in a good frame of mind. I'm just happy to be batting the way I am right now," he said.

Asked how he measured up against quality Australian pacers such as Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, Rayudu said, "I was just watching the ball, just wanted to spend time in the middle."

Rayudu's 80-match first-class career has so far yielded 5183 runs at an average of over 46. The right-hander said he has worked hard on his game.

"...I'm just looking to spend time in the middle. I've worked a lot on my game, with Robin Singh and Sharath Kumar as well, the present Baroda coach. I'm happy getting into good positions and having enough time to play the ball," he said.

"I'm just mentally looking to spend a lot more time in the middle. The whole season, I was very relaxed, I'm happy that I'm getting into such a zone," he added.

On how he keeps himself motivated, Rayudu said, "I am doing something I love doing, so I don't think I need any motivation to play cricket. I just love to go out there and spend time in the middle."

On whether he was disappointed at missing out on a hundred today, Rayudu quipped, "No, I mean, it's not the end of my life. I'll get more hundreds!".

India will take on Australia in a four-Test series starting here on February 22.