UNITED KINGDOM: India captain Rahul Dravid puts series win over England above thoughts of probable farewell

STORY : India captain Rahul Dravid is putting a series win over England in the third and final test starting at The Oval on Thursday ahead of the probable farewell to English soil for himself and fellow senior players. Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar (both 34), Saurav Ganguly (35) and leg-spinner Anil Kumble (36) are unlikely to play another test match in England. India, who have not won a test series in England for 21 years, lead the series 1-0. England have not been beaten in a home series since 2001. Dravid, a keen student of the game, made his test debut at Lord's on India's 1996 England tour, scoring 95 in his first innings. He also played at Kent in 2000. " I think the Oval actually is a good wicket, you can play some very good cricket on it, " said Dravid. " It provides you with with the opportunity to play good cricket. If you're a good batsman and you get set it gives you the opportunity to play a lot of shots it opens up all areas of the sporting field, you can play off the back foot , you can play off the front foot, it gives the bowlers a chance, there's a bit of bounce if the sun comes out and it does spin a little bit like we hope it might it gives the spinners a chance, with a bit of turn and bounce as well. So generally from my past experiences here and watching cricket being played here, it's generally a very good cricket wicket." Dravid, who scored 217 against England at The Oval in 2002, said he expected a result with good weather forecast throughout the five days. Ultimately, he wants a performance similar to the second test at Trent Bridge, when India won by seven wickets.

ITN Source | August 9, 2007

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