The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Dravid defends decision to bat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 20, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Dravid defends decision to bat

Abu Dhabi: Indian skipper Rahul Dravid defended his decision to bat first, saying it was the batsmen's failure that had led to India's six-wicket loss to Pakistan in the first one-dayer here on Tuesday.

``It was the right decision but the batsmen probably could have done better,'' the Indian skipper said in the post-match press conference.

``It was a fresh wicket and, from what we heard, we needed to make first use of the pitch and get runs on the board.''

India was all out for 197 before Pakistan romped home to victory with nine balls to spare.

Dravid said the team fell 30 runs short of setting a challenging total.

Bowlers appreciated

But Dravid lauded the bowlers' effort on a slow pitch.

``All the bowlers bowled well. The pitch was slow and the ball was not coming on to the bat.

``The boys are not used to these sort of surfaces so it was a good learning experience for them. We will try to play better in the next match.

``As far as extras are concerned, there were some leg byes but if you are trying to bowl wicket to wicket, you will stray down the leg side sometimes. I think they bowled quite well.''

``It is tough at the end of the season but we are happy to come here and play for a cause.''

A much needed win

Winning captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said that it was a much needed victory against the Indians.

He praised Younis Khan (71 not out) for playing a pivotal role in the win.

``Younis's innings was very important and he saw to it that he stayed till the end.''

Inzamam also said that his team's fielding too had played a very crucial role in the win.

`Sehwag needed a break'

Dravid said the aim behind resting key player Virender Sehwag was to ensure he stayed away from pressure and sorted out his batting before jumping into the cauldron of international cricket.

``Sehwag has played a lot of cricket. He is not in the best of forms. Sometimes you need a mental and physical break, to stay away from the heat and allow yourself to relax,'' Dravid said. — PTI

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