Hyderabad, Nov 16:Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman on Monday said that he was honoured to play alongside Sachin Tendulkar and added that the batting maestro still prepares himself as if he is going to play his first Test.

Congratulating Tendulkar on the completion of 21 years in international cricket, Laxman said that his dedication is exemplary and an inspiration.

Speaking to media persons, the stylish Hyderabadi batsman said India can chase down anything less than 225 on the final day.

Excerpts from the media conference:

On Sachin Tendulkar:

A star was born 21 years ago. His contribution to cricket has been unbelievable. The way he carries himself is exemplary. He is so humble after so many years. I feel honoured to play alongside him. His dedication is also tremendous. Even now he practices as if it is his first Test. There is a lot to learn from him. I wish him best of luck.

On Harbhajan’s back-to-back centuries:

Outstanding, he has been working hard at the nets. All our lower-order batsmen work hard… In fact, Gary (Kirsten) has instilled the importance of practice in the team. In Ahmedabad, he played a match-saving innings and, here, he has given us an edge with his innings.

On missing an opportunity to hit a century on his home ground:

I’m quite happy with my performance. We were in a difficult situation after Sachin’s early dismissal. So, the partnership with Rahul [Dravid] was extremely important. Of course, I would have liked to score a century at my home ground, in front of my coaches. But I’m happy with the way I batted.

On Harbhajan being the leading scorer in the series so far:

Definitely you would want your main batsmen to score runs, be among the top scorers. But, at the same time, I’m happy that Harbhajan has got runs.

On Black Caps:

They have always been tough. They gave us a good fight in 2003 too. They are good players of spin. In this series, it is their patience that is most striking. They are not giving away their wickets.

On Team India’s chance of winning the Test:

We need to pick up two early wickets and then we can get into their tail. But the wicket is still not doing much for the bowlers. There is bounce, but no turn available.

The ideal target to chase:

Ideally, anything less than 225 runs. Even if we need to score at five runs per over, that wouldn’t be much of a problem considering our batting line-up. Also, the nature of the wicket supports the batsmen.