Rajkot, Oct 07: Opening batsman Akash Chopra today said he was thrilled to be selected in the Indian team and was looking forward to the first cricket test match against New Zealand starting on October 8 at Ahmedabad. The Delhi opener, who was picked for the first Test following his impressive performance in the two warm-up matches against the visitors, said "It is an honour to play for the country and I am very thankful to the selectors who have showed faith in my ability."

"Inspite of not playing for the last five months, I scored a century against the Kiwis in Visakhapatnam and a reasonable 66 here and I am satisfied with the performance, Chopra told reporters.

When asked about his pairing with Virender Sehwag, Chopra Said, "I have opened with him for Delhi in first class matches and we have a very good understanding.”

Chopra said he enjoyed batting alongside Sadagopan Ramesh, who had performed well for India in the past, and added that the left-right combination was very useful in rotating the strike as well as creating confusion in the bowlers minds as well. Bureau Report