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‘It should be a good series if we play to potential’

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: AP

TOUGH CONDITIONS: Rahul Dravid said it was vital to monitor the quantity of water consumed and spoke of the need to be very disciplined about it, both as a team and as individuals.

Colombo: Rahul Dravid, on Monday, said managing Sri Lanka’s humid playing conditions would be the one of the keys to unlocking the host’s stronghold at home. “Managing the heat is a big factor that you have got to be aware of,” said Dravid after the Indian team’s optional practice session at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), the venue for the first Test which begins on Wednesday.

“(It’s important) to maintain your concentration for long periods in these conditions. That’s something that, as a team, we have got to discuss and make sure we do the right things (so that) men that are set go on and not give their wickets away,” he said.

Dravid, who has a history of cramping in humid conditions, said it was vital to monitor the quantity of water consumed. “It’s something that we have got to watch during the Test match — be very disciplined about it, both as a team and as individuals,” said the 35-year-old. “We are pretty much on top of that. We must try and do the best we can to manage these conditions.”

Happy with preparation

The right-hander, who has scored 419 runs at 46.55 in six Tests in Sri Lanka, said he was happy with his preparation despite not spending too much time in the middle during the practice game. “I got some good batting yesterday, just missed a straight one from Herath,” said Dravid, who was run out for five in the first innings before being bowled by the left-arm spinner for 26 in the second. “I’ve been batting well in the nets. It’s just going to be a question of spending some time in the middle. In these conditions, if you spend some time in the middle, it makes a big difference. Once you spend an hour, an hour and a half in the middle, it tends to flow from there.”

Dravid said he enjoyed batting at the SSC. “It’s a very good wicket. There is something in it for the bowlers always and there is something in it for a stroke-player. If you get set on this wicket you can play your shots and there is good value for your strokes.”

Right balance

On Sri Lanka’s quality at home, Dravid said: “They have the right balance in these conditions. They know how to play at home and they manage the heat very well. (Muttiah) Muralitharan is a big impact in his own country; (Chaminda) Vaas is a clever bowler in these conditions.

“And then they have a good batting line-up that adapts well and plays well in these conditions. They can bat for long periods of time as is probably required in these sorts of Test matches. They are always a big threat in Sri Lanka.

“But, we have come here with a good team as well. If we play to our potential, I think it should be a good Test series.”

Dravid said the Indians would treat mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis with respect but not obsess over him.

“They have got a couple of other guys who have got 1000 wickets between them,” he said. “It will be a big mistake just to focus on Mendis. We will just play it as we see it.

“We have come up against a lot of bowlers in our time and we have played against them and succeeded against them.”

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