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In quite a surprising move, the Indian team management, after much reluctance, sent in V V S Laxman [Images] for the end-of-the-day's play press conference, leaving scribes wondering what was happening.

Usually, it is the player of the day or captain, or the team coaches, that addresses the media, but, strangely, Laxman filled up for Wasim Jaffer [Images], who scored an fine unbeaten 73 as India ended the second day in the first Test on 136 for 1, in reply to England's [Images] first innings of 393.

"Jaffer is taking it easy today. He will come tomorrow, probably after scoring a hundred," Laxman told reporters.

"I am really pleased for Jaffer. He worked really hard to come into the team. He came into the team after a great season in domestic cricket. Hope he can continue tomorrow."

The stylish Hyderabadi right-hand batsman added: "Tomorrow is a crucial day for us. We will look to bat the whole day tomorrow and pile up a big score and put pressure on England. The wicket is getting slower and the spinners could come into play on the fourth day."

Paul Collingwood's [Images] brilliant knock of 134 not out lifted England to a healthy first innings total of 393, before Jaffer and Rahul Dravid [Images] (40 not out) got involved in an unbeaten 125-run partnership to lead India's reply.

Laxman praised Collingwood for his dour batting with the tail-enders, as the last three wickets produced 149 runs after England were reduced to 244 for 7 at close of play on Wednesday.

"It was great that he scored a hundred in his first Test in India," said Laxman of Collingwood's maiden Test century, which helped England make a strong start in the series.

"All credit to Collingwood for the way he batted with the tail. He showed great application when he was batting with the tail-enders. Monty Panesar [Images] and Stephen Harmison played well, giving him good company," Laxman said.

"It would have been great to bowl them out below 300. Our bowlers bowled well, but Collingwood and the other batsmen did well against them," Laxman added.

Laxman, known for his abilities against spinners, gave his first hand impression about England's left-arm tweaker Panesar.

"Panesar is a good spinner, and with a little bit of experience he will be a handy player for India," he said.