Indian middle order batsman VVS Laxman has said that his team would pull all stops to win the Test series in Sri Lanka.

The stylish Hyderabadi right hander, speaking to a national television channel admitted he expected a massive challenge from Sri Lankan spin twin Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis but also exuded confidence about winnning the series and setting the record straight after the 2-1 drubbing in 2001 in the emerald islands.

"It's going to be a challenging series as Sri Lanka is a formidable side, and this will be the first time we're going to play a Test match after 2001, it's surely going to be an interesting series."

The 'Very Very Special' Laxman said he was aware it would be a tough job negotiating the Lankan spinners.

"It's going to be difficult as there's not only Murli and Mendis but they've also got experienced players like Chaminda Vaas. Their bowling line-up is also very good especially in their own conditions, and they utillise their own conditions to the fullest."

"So I think, it will be a huge challenge playing those bowlers in Sri Lanka. I'm very happy with the preparation that I had in the last three weeks."

India have had a fantastic run in the longer version of the game over the last one year. In fact the team pushed the mighty Australians right up against the wall before the Aussies survived a scare to take the series 2-1 Down Under earlier this year.

So sure enough, the team would like to carry further the momentum.

"Beating any side on their homeground will be great, we've done that in the past as well in West Indies, we won some Test matches in Australia and in South Africa and also a Test series win in England."

"So overall, we're quite happy with our performance and that gives us a lot of satisfaction. Our aim will be to register a win in Sri Lanka, that will be our aim and goal."

The Test series will also see the referral on umpires' decision make its debut, which Laxman thinks the teams have to wait and see the way it goes.

"It will be a different experience for all of us, everyone knows how tough it is a job for the umpire. So I think, it will be something that the ICC will be experimenting and we have to wait and see, how it copes up."

Laxman said he wants to play consistently well in the series and do whatever the team requires him to do.

"I want to play some match-winning knocks. Wherever the team requires, I'd always like to come in with some good knocks under the belt, which will help the team to win the matches."

The elegant batsman was eloquent in his praise for Sachin Tendulkar, who is just 171 runs short of eclipsing Brian Lara's record of most Test runs.

"Everyone knows what an amazing player he is, there's no need for me to mention about that, he's been a true leader of the Indian cricket team."

"He's alwas raised his standards and set his benchmark for the Indian players to emulate. I'm sure he'll also do that in this series. It'll be a great honour for all of us to play alongside Sachin."