Regular place yields more runs for Gambhir

By Greg Stutchbury

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Becoming an established member of the Indian test team was helping Gautam Gambhir score hundreds and hundreds of runs, the opener said on Sunday.

Gambhir scored his sixth test century when he notched 167 in India's 349 for five at the close of play on the third day of the third test against New Zealand on Sunday, giving the visitors a massive 531-run lead and the opportunity to add more on Monday.

Gambhir has scored 445 runs in the three-match series, at an average of 89. He batted for 642 minutes in the second innings of the second test at McLean Park to score 137 and ensure India drew the match after following on more than 300 runs behind.

"I'm much more comfortable. I'm more secure in the side which is very important for any cricketer," Gambhir told reporters.

"When you're playing for your place in the side it is very tough, you don't play our natural game.

"Once you feel like you belong it becomes much easier and you play your natural game and you enjoy yourself, which is very important because international cricket is all about pressure.

"If you can enjoy yourself in that pressure then it really helps."

It is not just the New Zealand attack the 27-year-old has taken a liking to.