Dravid promises better show by India in Champions trophy

Jaipur, Oct 14 (UNI) Skipper Rahul Dravid today promised better showing by India in the ICC Champions trophy, saying that his side's recent unimpressive record in one-day internationals has very little relevance to their campaign in the tournament.

India take on England in the opening match of the main round of the tournament here tomorrow.

Talking to mediapersons on the eve of the match, Dravid exuded confidence saying, ''I am pretty happy with the way we have trained. If we get on a roll early on I think we are going to be a force to reckon with.'' He, however, hastened to add that it will be wrong to underestimate the rivals (England).

''I hope (England captain) Andrew Flintoff does not fire.

''He is an exciting cricketer to watch. It is always nice to see someone like Freddie do well, except against India, and I'd like to see him fail as much as he can against India,'' the Indian skipper said.

''He (Flintoff) had a big impact in the Test series in India and also made a huge impact in the Ashes series that has been well-documented.'' The charismatic all-rounder Flintoff played a key role in his team's regaining the Ashes at home last year, scoring 402 runs and grabbing 24 wickets against Australia. He then led an injury-hit England to a creditable 1-1 draw in India early this year, making 264 runs and taking 11 wickets in a three-Test series.

Speculation is rife that Flintoff will open the innings, but the Indian skipper said his team were well prepared.

''It does really matter who open. I think Freddie could provide some exciting possibilities up the order, but we could also get him out early and that could put a lot of pressure on their middle order,'' he said.

''It will be interesting who open for England and I am sure they are going to try out different combinations and look to see what works best for them, but we are pretty well prepared.'' MORE UNI HSB PDS KP1435