India has always depended on Rahul Dravid to bail them out of difficult situations. And the 38-year-old was at it again on day 3 of the first Test at Sabina Park.
The veteran batsman scored a masterful 112 to help propel India’s lead past the 300-run mark. But it wasn’t easy out in the middle and Dravid revealed how physically draining it was for him.
“It was tough physically. I came here just three days ago. The jet lag, getting up early morning, having not played a Test for a long time and playing in these hot conditions has been very tiring," remarked Dravid.
Batting for over 400 minutes in the heat was no mean feat, but the right-hander was adamant at making it count once again in Jamaica.
"I sweat a lot so physically it's always been a contest for me. That's why I have to work harder on my fitness for I know the way I bat, I have to stay in for long periods."
"But it was a big Test match and I was fired up...I felt as if I was in my space. Hopefully, we can win the Test and get a day's rest."
Dravid claimed the intensity of the contest at Sabina Park, ironically, helped him get into his space.
"I love the contest. When you are back to the wall, it improves your concentration, your focus. It helped me focus my mind, get it in the right place and I felt in control.
"For long periods of time, I didn't score many runs but considering the wicket it probably was the right thing.” he revealed.
With another 195 runs required to win for the West Indies, Dravid is quietly confident that the Indians can win the first Test provided they take early wickets on day 4. "If we get early wickets, we can run through. But we know Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a dangerous player. They have got some good young players. From our perspective, if we bowl in the right areas, we will create opportunity.
"We need to be patient and make batsmen play all the time." Dravid concluded.
 |
                                                                                           |
 |