A majestic century against Pakistan may have backed his claims for a permanent Test slot, but Yuvraj Singh today conceded that he still had some distance to cover before he can cement his place in the star-studded batting line-up.
"It's difficult to get a chance in Tests because my team has lot of great players like Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman. They all have a good Test record. That's why I had to sit out," Yuvraj said after lifting India down from the dumps with a dominating 169 runs in the third Test against Pakistan.
"We just need to think of winning this match now and after this we have to think of what combination is needed for the Australian tour. There also I may have to sit out."
Yuvraj though sounded confident that he has the ability to make a mark in Tests.
"I always knew I could do well in Test cricket because you always have time to settle down. If you take out that time you can still bat well. For me Test cricket is always the main thing. So I'm very happy with my effort today," he told reporters.
Yuvraj, who has been in awesome form this season, blamed himself for being unable to gain a foothold in Test cricket and said he has not capitalised on the opportunities that came his way.
"I had a very bad Test series in the West Indies. After that the middle order batsmen were really batting well. I just thought let me wait for my chance as I had only myself to blame (for West Indies series). I was happy when Anil Kumble told me yesterday morning that I will be playing," Yuvraj said.
The left-hander, who combined with Sourav Ganguly to rack up 300 runs for the fifth wicket, said it only helped their cause as both were attacking batsmen.
"Ganguly is also an attacking player. He supported me a lot today and it was lot of fun batting alongside him. He told me once looking at my bat after I played a shot you have springs in your bat'."
"When I went into bat I thought I have been batting well of late and just need to be confident of myself and try and play the first spell out."
Yuvraj, playing Test cricket after July 2006, though admitted he was nervous before coming into bat because of his inexperience at the Test level.
"Yes, I was very nervous. I have never been a confident starter in Test cricket because I haven't played much of it.
I'm never nervous in one-dayers but Test cricket does give me shivers. I just wanted to be positive on this day," he added.
"I settled down when I hit my first boundary after 15-20 balls. That gave me a bit of a start. After that I just wanted to take one spell at a time as the ball was doing a bit," Yuvraj
"I should have got to 200 and I am quite disappointed. But I should be happy that I came in and played this knock when the team was 61 for four. I am very happy now that the team is in good position," Yuvraj added.
Asked whether Shoaib Akhtar's absence from the field made any difference, he said "Obviously he is one of their strike bowlers. Any strike bowler of any team if he doesn't bowl it will matter to the team.
"But I think Arafat bowled the best today getting most of the wickets. At 61 for four it was like whoever bowled we had to play them out as well," he said.
And the best shot he played today? "Back foot punch that I played in the last few overs. I timed it very well."
"If we get to 500 obviously we will be in a very good position. We will see how the morning goes."
I know I will have to sit out: Yuvraj
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