Rahul Dravid acknowledges coach Fletcher's tips after scoring his fifth Test century of 2011
Rahul Dravid acknowledges coach Fletcher's tips after scoring his fifth Test century of 2011
Rahul Dravid scored his 36th Test hundred when he reached the three-figure mark on the first day of second Test against the West Indies at Eden Gardens yesterday. Dravid also became the highest run-getter in Tests in 2011. After the day's play, Dravid admitted at a media interaction that a fewu00a0 things suggested by coach Duncan Fletcher helped him.
Been there, done that: Rahul Dravid celebrates his 36th ton at the
Eden yesterday. Pic/AFP
Excerpts:
On how it feels to get five centuries in six months:
It obviously shows that I have hit a good patch. I am in a good space with my game so I am really trying to make it count, trying to make it last as long as I can. I have been through tough times so I know when things are going well, you have to make the most of it.
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On whether this innings with VVS Laxman reminded him of Test against Australia here in 2001:
Not really. That was a different situation, very different circumstance. We have batted many times together after that as well. It is always nice to bat with Laxman here at Eden.
On whether this was his easiest ton at the Eden:
None are easy, but in the context of the game, probably the other three that I have got here were relatively tougher. The 181 (vs Australia) is the most celebrated one. It came against a tough attack in tough conditions. The hundred in each innings against Pakistan are also very dear because those were literally match deciders. So, relatively this one was much easier.
On what he did during his lean patch (in 2009):
I haven't done anything different. Obviously, the hundred in Jamaica gave me a bit of confidence. I just carried on from there. I have worked with Duncan Fletcher and he suggested me a few little things, which I think have helped. I think it is good to have someone like Duncan because he reads the game quite well.
On the secret behind the successful partnership with Laxman:
Actually, we have been batting with each other for so long. We really don't need to say much to each other. We don't talk a lot in the middle. We just say 'keep going' or 'just relax'. He (Laxman) is a stroke player and looks to put pressure on the bowler, obviously in a different way -- not the way Viru (Virender Sehwag) does. So it makes things easier for me at the other end. I can play in the pace I want and rotate the strike. Today, we batted well together and scored at the same pace as well.
On two sixes in a Test innings:
I am preparing for the IPL...
On targeting 40 Test centuries:
I never expected to get 36. We will see what happens in the future. I don't want to think too much about numbers and statistics.
On Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal:
Today, it was a short ball and it was unfortunate to find a fielder when there were few on the leg side. He is batting beautifully and it's just a matter of time he gets to his 100th international hundred.
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