Batsmen need to convert starts to make them count, says Dravid

Ahmedabad, Oct 25 (UNI) India captain Rahul Dravid today admitted that their batting was not performing as it should be and there was a need to go back to the basics.

Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference at the Sardar Patel stadium, Motera here, Dravid said the need for the batsmen was to go on after they get starts and convert them into big knocks which count. ''We also need to build partnerships,'' he added.

Speaking on the team composition for tomorrow's crucial match against West Indies, the Indian captain said that they have not yet decided on the 11. But there might be some changes according to the conditions and pitch, he said, without taking any names. ''We will have another look at the pitch and then decide,'' he said.

Dravid also felt that the pitch which was used for yesterday's match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, did not play any different than that India had expected. ''As the evening progresses the wicket and atmosphere seems to help the pace bowlers with extra swing and movement, both in the air and off the wicket as was seen yesterday,'' he added.

Dravid also did not seem unduly worried about the dew factor. ''We are taking into consideration all aspects of the game and the dew factor is all something on which we are thinking and making our plans, but we are not overstressing on it. The bottom line is whatever the conditions we have to play good cricket to emerge successful,'' he observed.

On the opposition, Dravid said that the Windies have improved tremendously over the last few months. ''We expect a close match tomorrow,'' he said.

Dravid also rubbished the notions that the Indian team only performs in patches, saying that all teams have their ups and downs.

''In the last decade only Australia has been the consistent performer. We were down in the dumps last year, but bounced back with the series wins against Sri Lanka and England, while the West Indies which were the whipping boys of every one till recently have also improved and have beaten Australia two times in their last three meetings with the world champions, while Sri Lanka have also come back strongly after losing to us 6-1 last year,'' he cited the examples to make his point.

Dravid also informed that Sachin Tendulkar, who is returning after a shoulder injury has been bowling in the nets, about 30 balls per net session. ''We hope that soon he will be able to bowl his 10 overs in the match,'' the Indian captain added.

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