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How Pak start tour is crucial: Dravid
The Indian vice-captain on Sunday said it would be prudent not to read too much into Pakistan's poor display in the three-Test series in Australia.
Indian cricket team vice-captain Rahul Dravid on Sunday said it would be prudent not to read too much into the Pakistan's poor display in the three-Test series in Australia in which they were swamped 3-0 by the hosts.
"I don't think we should read too much into the Pakistan team's display in Australia. How they start the Indian tour is important. If they start well then what they have gone through in Australia will not matter," Dravid told reporters at Wankhede Stadium on the eve of the N K P Salve Challenger series.
"I have not watched much of the series on TV, but have noticed an improved bowling performance towards the end of the tour in whatever little I have seen," he said.
He also welcomed the cricket board's decision to advance the Duleep Trophy by a fortnight to accommodate the first two rounds ahead of the three-Test series against Pakistan.
"It is a good move as we will get at least a couple of first class matches and the warm up game against Pakistan to get into the groove," the Bangalore stalwart said after his practice stint.
Dravid, captain of India A, who take on India seniors led by Sourav Ganguly on Monday under lights to kick off the four-day limited over tournament, practiced with a few India mates, including fit-again Lakshimpathi Balaji, Murali Karthik, Dinesh Karthik and Irfan Pathan.
Dravid said he felt the team would not face any problem in adjusting to new physio John Gloster who has replaced the outgoing Australian counterpart Andrew Leipus and is set to take charge on Monday as "both are thorough professionals."
