Raina’s last 14 Tests have been an absolute nightmare

India batsman Suresh Raina, who is well known across the world for his aggressive batting style in limited overs cricket, has expressed his desire to represent his country in 50 Test matches and added that this would be the next aim of his international career.

Raina had a dream start to his Test career, scoring a century on debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 and followed it up with two half-centuries.

However, just as all good things must come to an end, Raina’s hot streak fizzled out and in the last 14 Tests he has played, the left-handed big-hitter has only managed to score 459 runs at a dismal average of 19.95.

No one was surprised when the national selectors dropped him in favour of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who at that point, had just recovered from a hard battle with a rare form of lung cancer.

“I have played just 17 Test matches,” Raina said. “I am the sort of guy who always believes in hard work and discipline. I know if I work really hard on my game, I will be able to play at least 50-60 Test matches.”

Raina recently scored four consecutive half-centuries against England in an ODI series earlier this year and he is hoping to convert this form from limited overs cricket to Test cricket.

“I have been scoring runs in last 10 matches,” Raina said. “This is the chance. I need to do well, then I can come back to the Test team.”

While Raina has constantly been hovering around that number six slot on the national roster, he has never been able to permanently cement his place and this is something he has been working towards since being dropped during the four-Test series against England last year.

“I did well initially in the West Indies but didn’t get runs against England (in England, 2011),” he added. “I have been batting well. I need to be more solid and mentally stronger.”