Indian batsman V V S Laxman says his omission from the one-day side touring the West Indies has motivated him to excel in the Test series and force his way into contention for next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.
"Playing in a World Cup is one of my dreams," he said before leaving for the four-Test series starting on June 2.
The 31-year-old is making his third trip to the Caribbean and a good performance will both help a team missing injured talisman Sachin Tendulkar and ease the pressure being put on him by talented youngsters.
Laxman led his team's batsmen with 474 runs (at an average of 79) on the previous tour in 2001-02 and wants to replicate that form to help India claim a first major Test series victory outside the sub-continent for 20 years.
A solid display would also improve his chances of securing inclusion for the March-April World Cup four years after he was surprisingly omitted from the last tournament.
"Since missing the 2003 edition I've been aiming to play in 2007," he said.
"It has gone a little off track, but I believe if I get big runs there [in the Caribbean], I will surely get opportunities in one-day cricket."
Laxman played one of the sport's defining innings in 2001, stroking a record 281 to spark victory against Australia after India had followed on in the second Test at Eden Gardens.
The home team went on to record a stunning 2-1 series upset.
The Hyderabad-born right-hander also enjoyed a brilliant run with the bat when India toured Australia in 2003-04, amassing 494 runs with two centuries to help the tourists achieve a creditable 1-1 draw.
Although he scored five one-day hundreds in that season, critics cited Laxman's sub-standard fielding and running between the wickets as the reasons why he was overlooked for the last World Cup.
His last one-day international appearance came in August 2005.
BATTING PROMOTION
Laxman is confident of his form ahead of the West Indies tour and is relishing the prospect of batting in the number four slot left vacant by Tendulkar after coming in at number six on the previous trip.
"The last time it was a different experience," he said.
"Most of the time, I was not out as the tail used to just succumb.
"I'm assuming it will be number four, if [captain] Rahul Dravid is to bat at three. Again it depends on [coach] Greg Chappell and Rahul and what they are thinking.
"I am hoping I'll get some good opportunities, get some big hundreds."
Questions were asked about Laxman's international future after he was left out for the last two matches of the drawn home series against England in March at the expense of an extra bowler.
"It was disappointing because I was in form," he said.
"But then, I have to be optimistic.
"I've been under scrutiny and under pressure to deliver always. I have learnt to enjoy it.
"If I think I have been unfairly treated and they are putting additional pressure on me, then I will not enjoy the game.
Laxman believes batting consistency will be the key in the West Indies, after India squandered a 1-0 lead last time to lose 2-1.
"If we can put a big score on the board in the first innings we always have a chance to win the Test matches.
"With our present bowling, I think we can get 20 wickets."
