VVS Laxman, the captain of the Hyderabad team in the Indian Premier League, on Monday said the presence of Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds [Images] in the side was a "big asset" because of his match-winning abilities.

Laxman said did not envisage any crowd problems for the lanky all-rounder who had not only accused Harbhajan Singh [Images] of racially abusing him but had been involved in a series of on-field altercations with the Indian players during the ongoing tour of Australia.

"He is a match-winner for us and obviously if he does well for the team, the crowd will love him", Laxman told reporters in Hyderabad.

"When you are playing high quality cricket, when there is high intense cricket, I am sure there will be a few words exchanged and that is because of the heat of the moment", Laxman explained.

The Hyderabad team bid a whopping Rs 5.6 crore for procuring the services of Symonds and Laxman reckoned it was worth it considering the Australian's talent.

"I have known Symonds since under-19 days. He is a very good friend of mine and he is a thorough professional. I am sure everyone knows that he is a match-winner for any side whether he plays for Australia or a World XI", he said.

"It is a great asset to have Symonds in our team and I am sure he will play some match-winning knocks like the way he has done over the years", he added.

Photograph: Snaps India | Text: PTI