West Indies goes ga ga over The Wall; Lara, King hail Dravid

Kingston, Jamaica, July 3 (UNI) Though smarting from the series defeat, the West Indians were graceful in defeat as they heaped praise on rival captain Rahul Dravid, admitting The Wall was simply unbreachable.

''Dravid played so well for his 60-odd runs and then got an unplayable ball. His batting throughout this series was exceptional.

He led by example. I must say Dravid played exceptionally well.

''I have not seen a better innings or two innings put together in such a difficult situation. It was tremendous batting. He showed really why he is called The Wall,'' an eloquent West Indies captain Brian Lara said in praise of his counterpart.

West Indies coach Bennett King echoed Lara's view and admitted Dravid has been the thorn in the flesh for the hosts.

''Dravid has been doing very well the whole series. He has shown how to bat on this pitch. To average 50-odd in Test is not easy and obviously he is among the top batsmen,'' said King.

And it's Dravid sound technique that distinguishes the Team India skipper, King said.

''His technique stands different from the rest of the batters.

He plays the ball very relaxed, plays it under his chin and so is in less trouble. Every time he hits it comes from the middle of his bat,'' King explained.

Earlier, team mate Harbhajan Singh was effusive in his praise for his skipper.

''Every team would like to have his kind of batsman. He is something special. Whenever we need someone to stay at the wicket and get the runs, he is always there. It's great inspiration to see him fighting there and scoring those runs for India,'' Harbhajan said.

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