I don't worry about what the opposition is doing - Dravid
After the pinched faces in Kolkata and the tension-fraught atmosphere in Mumbai, Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell were far more relaxed
Dileep Premachandran at Chennai
01-Dec-2005
After the pinched faces in Kolkata and the tension-fraught atmosphere in Mumbai, Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell were far more relaxed while talking to the media ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Chepauk. Chappell, whose face had betrayed not a jot of emotion following the alleged tiff with fans in Kolkata, even joked about his captain having "a language problem" when Dravid asked a local journalist to repeat his question. Dravid was as assured as ever, though a couple of terse replies suggested that he was intent on leaving no one in any doubt as to who really held the captaincy reins. Dravid, the soft touch? Think again.
 |
|
Rahul Dravid
On getting back into the Test match scheme of things after a month of non-stop one-day cricket
That's how international cricket is now. The [one-day] series happened very quickly, and we have to make sure we adjust and react quickly and change our mindset for the five-day game. It's a challenge that most international cricketers face.
On the likely team composition
We've not decided on a final XI. That'll be done tomorrow morning after assessing various factors like the weather. There's clarity in my mind about the batting order, but I see no sense in revealing my strategy before the game.
On the kind of challenge Sri Lanka would pose after being blown away in the ODIs
I think they'll bounce back. They're a good team. We played very good cricket in those matches, and didn't allow them to do so. We have to continue doing that.
On Jayasuriya's absence
Look, I don't tend to worry about what the opposition is doing. There's a danger of targetting one or two players and forgetting that they have other quality performers as well. Jayasuriya's been a fantastic player for them, but we're well aware that they have two or three young players who we need to watch for.
On the threat posed by Muttiah Muralitharan
Murali's done well against us, but we've also had our share of success against him. I'd prefer to focus on how they will deal with Harbhajan Singh and Anil [Kumble] bowling in tandem.
On whether Ganguly's ability to bowl medium-pace might influence selection
Sourav has been bowling a fair bit lately, and we will certainly be thinking of that as an option.
On the pitch
It looks good, but might take some turn as the match goes on.
On Sehwag not practicing yesterday and doing little work today
He has a slight strain in his left shoulder. Nothing too serious. It was just a precautionary thing [to skip practice].
On what he expected from the Chennai crowd
It's always a great place to play. We've had some memorable matches here, and the crowd has always responded to good performances. It would have been very disappointing for them to see the ODI washed out, and I hope the weather holds over the next few days so that they get a good game of cricket.
On whether having so many seniors back in the side complicated things
It makes it simpler. There are a few ex-captains there, and they will certainly help out with advice. I can't do it all on my own.
Greg Chappell
On how he approached his first Test in India as coach
I know it's a cliché, but it's just another game. The cricket doesn't change regardless of where you're playing. The critical things, the basics, stay the same, and only the nuances change with the conditions.
On Ganguly's return to the team
If he's in the team, he will be a very important member. He's fitted back into the group very well.
Dileep Premachandran is features editor of Cricinfo