Laxman: ‘Great privilege to be a member of MCC’

“It's a great privilege to be a member of the prestigious club, located at Lord's, for I have always been fond of playing there. It is one of the most beautiful grounds in the world,” Laxman said after being an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Former Indian cricketer V.V.S. Laxman says he first visited Lord’s as a member of India U-19 team.

“I have no regrets about not getting a century at Lord's or in England,” VVS Laxman told Sportstar , while acknowledging the honour of being named an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), on Friday, a day after word came of the citation.

“It's however a great privilege to be a member of the prestigious club, located at Lord's, for I have always been fond of playing there. It is one of the most beautiful grounds in the world,” the batting maestro said.

While arenas in Australia showcased his talent best, the wristy stylist recalled his first visit to the Mecca of cricket. “As part of the India Under-19 team, we were taken on a guided tour. We visited the Lord's museum, the Long Room and the dressing rooms. I gazed at the honours board which had the names of the century makers there,” he said of the pantheon of the game's greats adorning the walls.

“To be accorded the honour over two decades after that is memorable. The MCC has maintained the traditions associated with the game. The culture and character of the club are central to the home of cricket,” he observed.

Was he expecting the accolade as only the fourth Indian to receive it? “It is a distinction given to those who have served the cause of their country well. While I wasn't expecting it as such, I got indications when the club authorities got in touch with me for some details,” said Laxman.

Laxman had an unbeaten 43 and 74 at Lord’s in the first Test of the 2002 series. On his last appearance in July 2011, he scored 10 and 56.