Ganguly delighted by effort

Sourav Ganguly feels less pressure on himself now he is retiring © Getty Images

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Sourav Ganguly revealed it was his determination to go out on a high which helped him score a century against Australia.

Ganguly, who has announced he will retire at the end of the series, hit a carefully constructed 102 on day two of the second Test to help India to a position of strength.

The 36-year-old reached his 16th Test century - and second against Australia - with a boundary off Cameron White and celebrated with exuberance.

"It was nice to get a hundred," Ganguly said. "It was very important; this is an important series for me because it's my last one.

"I've been focusing on giving my everything for one last time."

Ganguly admitted the century was even more pleasing as it came against the world's best side.

"I've always enjoyed the game, but perhaps I enjoy it a lot more in this series," he continued.

"That's probably because I know I won't be selected any more and will not have to depend on anyone to be selected.

"It's been fun and we are playing the best team in the world. Getting runs against them is very satisfying."

With his century, Ganguly struck a blow for the senior players in the side, all of whom have been under tremendous pressure to quit international cricket.

Ganguly acknowledged his departure from the scene would mark a changing of the guard in Indian cricket.

Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have been India's bedrock for 13 years © Getty Images

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"It is the end of an era for Indian cricket. The four of us (Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman the others) have batted for India for the last 13 years," he said.

"We've all played 100 Test matches each, Laxman being the exception although he needs only two more to get there.

"I don't think you would get four players who have played 100 Test matches playing together in a team ever.

"Sachin, Rahul and VVS are such quality players. The number of important knocks they have played for their country has been fantastic.

"More importantly, many of them have been away from home and it has directly contributed to the huge improvement in our performance overseas in the last seven or eight years.

"It's been a fantastic batting quartet and I hope when the new players come in they do just as well."

Ganguly’s heroics helped India reach 469 in their opening innings before Test debutant Amit Mishra struck twice with the ball as Australia stumbled to 102 for four in reply.

That puts India in a solid position heading into day three and Ganguly is hoping it can also set the foundations for a series win.

"It was a good session for us, the last wicket (of Michael Clarke) was very vital," the former captain said.

"He (Amit Mishra) looks all right and he's been getting a lot of wickets in domestic cricket.

"It's good to see him get an opportunity, although it was because of Anil's (Kumble) injury. It's good to see him do so well.

"The last time we won here was in 2001 when I was captain. We are in a good position in this Test and if we can get a victory here and another in the next two it would be great."