Having scored another century, this time for India A against the visiting Australian team, Manoj Tiwary has again raised questions as to what he needs to do to get a call- up to the Test team. One of the most talented players on the domestic circuit, Tiwary has time and again shown that he has the talent and deserves at least one go at Test level.

But the selectors haven’t shown the same faith in his abilities. They have tried the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma, but not once have they included Tiwary in the squad. But Tiwary has said that his job is to score runs and not bother about selection matters.

“I am tired of answering this question regarding selection to the Test squad. I don’t understand the reason behind this. Obviously everybody wants to play Test cricket, but you have a set of selectors whose job is to pick the best possible team. I am sure my turn will come. As of now my job is to keep scoring runs every time I get an opportunity,” Tiwary told MAIL TODAY . It is no secret that every player gets disappointed when they don’t get selected in the national team even after performing consistently, and Tiwary is no different. But he says it is the pride of playing for India — even if it is the A team — that keeps him motivated.

“I don’t think motivation can ever be an issue. True, I also get a little upset when I don’t make the cut for the team, but then playing for India A is also special, if you ask me. Wearing the national emblem is what eggs me on.

“I don’t go to the field looking to get selected for the national team. I go out to try and prove to myself that I am good enough.

“And when the opposition is an international team like Australia, it feels that much more special. After all, scoring against international opposition is more difficult than scoring against a domestic side. Also, they have bowlers who will bowl against the best Indian batsmen and also, the Australian team is one of the best in the world. So I am really happy with my performance,” the Bengal batsman said.

Commenting on the Australian batsmen who looked all at sea against the spinners in the three- day game, Tiwary said: “ The basic problem as far as I see is that they don’t trust their defence. Their technique has left a lot to be desired and I feel if they keep playing this way in the Test series, they will definitely struggle.

“ We shouldn’t forget that the Test team will face the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha and R Ashwin.” While he has scored plenty of runs, some observers feel he doesn’t have an artistic approach to batting and doesn’t always look classy against quality pace.

Tiwary feels it is all about getting runs on the board and not how one gets it.

“I often listen to the song sung by the legendary singer Kishore Kumar. Kuch toh log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehna … and that is inspiration for me at times when critics feel I don’t look good at the wicket.

“For me it is about getting the runs,” he signed off.