Kumble's role was crucial in Indian win: Dravid

Mohali, Mar 13 (UNI) Skipper Rahul Dravid today paid handsome praise to milestone man Anil Kumble saying the ace leg-spinner had played a crucial role in India's victory in the second Test against England.

Kumble scalped nine England wickets in the match, besides contributing a valuable 36 with the bat in the first innings.

''Kumble's batting was crucial for us as we gained 38-run first-innings lead. Then we had enough time to bowl out the opponents. Kumble (9 for 146) and debutant medium pacer Munaf Patel (7 for 97) themselves shared 16 wickets,'' Dravid said while addressing a press conference after his side won the match by nine wickets.

Praising Kumble, who achieved the milestone of becoming the first Indian and the fifth in the world to claim 500 Test wickets, Dravid said, ''He is a great cricketer, a fine person and an inspiration for all.'' Munaf Patel, who impressed with his in-swingers and yorkers, also came in for praise from his captain.

Dravid, however, admitted that young spinner Piyus Chawla did not get enough bowling but said he has good future.

The Indian captain also complimented curator Daljit Singh for preparing a good wicket which has bounce even on the fifth and final day of the match.

Meanwhile, England captain Andrew Flintoff said they would bounce back in the third Test in Mumbai starting on March 18.

''We are a young side and improving with every game. We can compete with any side in the world. We have good chance in the Mumbai,'' said Flintoff.

Flintoff also praised Kumble and Munaf Patel, but said they were not surprised at Patel getting such swing.

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