Dravid hints at changes in batting order for Malaysia tri-series

Chennai, Sep 9 (UNI) Team India captain Rahul Dravid has not ruled out changes in the batting order in the upcoming tri-series in Malaysia to test the flexibility and depth of the line-up.

Addressing a press conference along with Coach Greg Chappell before the team's departure for Kuala Lumpur, involving Australia and West Indies, Dravid said, ''we have a lot of flexibility and depth. We have to use this ability to the maximum.'' ''The batting order can always be changed depending on the situation and the nature of the wicket,'' he said.

Asked about the team's prospects in the series, Dravid said, ''Winning is always the objective. We want to win. We want to play good cricket. Then the results will follow.'' ''We have set some specific targets in batting, bowling and fielding. If we achieve this, winning will take care of itself,'' he added.

Both Chappell and Dravid said Sachin was fully fit and was raring to go.

''He played well today and hit some very good shots. Sachin is in good spirits. He is pretty fit. No concerns about him,'' Dravid said and added that the master blaster was looking forward to the beginning of the season.

When asked how he felt opening with Sachin in the practice matches, Dravid said, ''in my 10-year career I have batted with Sachin quite a bit, sometimes one-up and one-down both in tests and ODIs. It was not any different today. We spend a lot of time together,'' the skipper said.

On whether he would continue to open with Sachin in the tri-series, Dravid said it would depend on the match situation and the wicket.

Meanwhile, coach Chappell sought to downplay Australia's threat in the series and said he was looking forward to the challenge from the World Champions for the first time since taking over as coach.

''I am not overtly concerned about Australia. I will focus on what we need to do and plan accordingly. I am only concerned about how we play,'' he stressed.

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