Focus on winning series: Dravid

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Mumbai, Mar 17 (UNI) Even as the main focus will be on winning the Test series, Indian captain Rahul Dravid is equally conscious on building a good team for the future.

Talking to the media on the eve of the third and final Test in Mumbai, begining tomorrow, Dravid, who will join the select band of six Indian cricketers who have played 100 or more Tests, said they would be playing good cricket and getting the basics right.

The Mumbai Test would be Dravid's hundredth.

The Indian captain did not reveal the final eleven, but said that they were having a few thoughts for the game and a decision on the playing XI would be taken only on the morrow of the match.

''We are looking at the policy adopted at Mohali of playing five bowlers, but at the same time we also feel that quality batsman in the team also deserve to be given a chance.'' Dravid, however, denied that if they went in with only four bowlers in tomorrow's game, then it would be a defensive step.

''Our aim is to take 20 wickets. We will select the team accordingly after taking into consideration all the factors,'' the captain said, adding that ''if they decide to go in with four bowlers, it would not be a backward step, but a step suited to the conditions.'' Dravid termed the wicket a good one and said that it looks like it would take turn from day two.

On the absence of Steve Harmison, the fastest England bowler unlikely to play due to injury, Dravid said that it would be a dissapointment for the visiting team, but at the same time they have some good young fast bowlers who can grab the opportunity which has been presented to them.

''Even we had injuries and gave opportunities to youngsters and the result is there for all to see.'' Speaking about Sachin Tendulkar, who will become the most capped Indian player when he steps out on the field tomorrow, Dravid said that Sachin was like a collosus absorbing all the pressure of the entire nation for 16 years now. ''He is an icon of the nation and the way he has carried himself all these years has been admirable.'' Dravid also felt that the youngsters who are now getting more attention is a part and parcel of the game. ''When the young kids come into the team, there is naturally more interest in them. Sachin himself must have felt it when he started his career.'' UNI GS KU KD DH KN1541

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