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Gavaskar: Dravid unhappy

27/12/2007

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar believes Rahul Dravid didn't really want to open the batting against Australia in the first Test at the MCG.

The former India captain, who usually bats at number three, had to open for India so they could accommodate the big hitting Yuvraj Singh in the side.

But Dravid could only manage five runs from 66 balls as India were bowled out for 196 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 343.

"I think it was something that he wouldn't have been too happy about. It's something he would have taken on reluctantly," said Gavaskar.

"Opening in India is one thing, opening in Australia against Brett Lee and Stuart Clark is a difficult thing."

Dravid has been one of the best batsmen in the world in recent years, scoring 9492 runs from 112 matches. But he only averages 33.54 in the opening position compared to his career average of close to 60.

"He's [Dravid] a team man, and he and [captain] Kumble are best mates and would have discussed this at length," he said, predicting that Dravid could remain as an opener for the whole series.

"[Reserve opener] Virender Sehwag will be a tourist guide for the rest of the tour."

India, who are already 179 runs behind Australia with the home team still to lose a wicket in their second innings, will need Dravid to come good if they are to have any hope saving the first Test.