Salem, Jan 24 (UNI) Left arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan,

who created history by becoming the first Indian cricketer

to make his debut in all the three formats in the recent

series in Australia, today said representing the country

was a dream come true as he never expected to get an

opportunity.

Talking to reporters at his native Chinnappampatti village

in this district, Natarajan, who was taken to Australia as

one of the net bowlers and made his debut in the third

ODI at Canberra, said he was under pressure in his first

match in India colours.

He said his experience in playing the Indian Premier League

was very helpful in Australia.

Stating that he did not expect to get an opportunity in

the ODIs, the 27-year-old bowler said when he was told

that he would be debuting in Canberra he was under

pressure.

'I wanted to make use of the opportunity. Playing for

the country and taking a wicket was a dream come true.

"I cannot express my happiness in words about playing

for India...It was like a dream. I got a lot of support

from the coaches, players. They supported and motivated

me a lot. I was able to perform well because of their

backing," he said .

Natarajan said he enjoyed playing under the captaincy

of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane and said they both

supported and encouraged him a lot.

"(Virat) Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane handled me very well

and encouraged me a lot. I enjoyed playing under both

of them," he added.

UNI GV 1802