'Bowlers have given us an opportunity'

NOTTINGHAM: India's stylish middle order batsman V V S Laxman has said bowlers have created an "ideal opportunity" for the batsmen by taking control of the second cricket Test against England on the opening day here.

"It's an ideal opportunity for us," Laxman said after Indian bowlers reduced England to 169 for 7 on the truncated first day.

Asked how the Indian batsmen intended to deal with the tough conditions at the Trent Bridge ground, Laxman said they would have to stay longer at the crease.

"You have to trust your instincts and abilities and play as late as possible," he said adding that "they (England's) are all good seam bowlers and it will be a good challenge facing them on this wicket."

Laxman said the batsman would look to convert their starts to big scores to increase pressure on the hosts.

"All of us got starts at Lord's and if we convert that into big scores it will really help the team. If all our batsmen can play to their potential it will put the England team under a lot of pressure."