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Morale high after win over SL: Dravid

"The close game has sort of built our morale. When you are on the right side of the result, it builds confidence", says Indian vice-captain.

Updated on: Jul 30, 2004, 19:02:00 IST
PTI | By , Colombo
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The fight-to-the-end and subsequent win in their last Super League match against Sri Lanka has raised the morale of the team ahead of the Sunday final, says Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid.

"That close game has sort of built our morale. When you are on the right side of the result, it builds confidence. It was a great example to keep fighting till the end," Dravid said on Friday.

HT Image
HT Image

India defeated Sri Lanka by four runs in that match to earn a berth in the final after a situation which looked hopeless when Sri Lanka's batting dynamo Sanath Jayasuriya was at the crease.

"We always have plans against him (Jayasuriya) but sometimes these work and at other times these don't. We hope to pick him early in the finals."

Dravid admitted Sri Lanka had played better than them over the last three weeks but said the final would be like an one-off game.

"They surely have been better than us in the last few weeks. But it is a one-off game for us. If we play to our potential, we can be a difficult team for any side in the world."

"I started the tournament with a couple of big scores. I am feeling very good, everyone else too wants to really do well in the final."

Dravid had little doubt VVS Laxman will recover well enough from his bruised left-knee to be available for the summit clash.

"He is looking good and the situation can only improve in the next 48 hours."

Laxman, who batted at the nets for the first time in seven days on Friday, showed no discomfort and later took part in the sharp fielding drills for singles at the the SSC ground.

Indians had a strenuous session of over three hours in the morning and there were at least two pep talks by coach John Wright to the wards.

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