Dravid wants to play good tough cricket to regain dented pride

Dhaka, May 8 (UNI) Often criticised for lacking in aggression, Team India skipper Rahul Dravid today asserted that they have come to Bangladesh to play good 'hard cricket' while paying the due to respect to a young and resurgent Bangladesh side.

Talking to the media, after the injury-streaked practice session, Dravid said, ''Any international series is significant.

Irrespective of what happened before we have come here to play good tough cricket and we hope to do well.'' He was reacting to a question on whether the series had any extra significance for him after being handed out a defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in World Cup. India play three ODIs with Bagladesh commencing May 10.

Asked if the young Bangla side was an advantage for the hosts, he said, ''They do have a young side and the players have done well for the team. The fact that they have done well in the World Cup is a big boost for the side. They have a good future.'' The skipper who just recovered from a knock on his helmet grill, when asked if the Indian selectors were taking a leaf out of the neighbourer's book, Dravid said, ''Its certainly up to the selectors. But its good to have a right blend of youth and experience. After all you need a team that has a perfect mix that can help you play a good game and win matches. That is most important.'' Asked how well prepared was the side to counter the hot and humid weather, he said, ''it would be hot for both the teams. We have had a tough and successful camp at Kolkata and it has always been a challenge to stay fit in the heat.

''Its how you hydrate yourself and we have a keen eye on that.

We have seen it is tough for the bowlers, but we have our methods to keep them fit and going.'' About the camp in Kolkata, he said, ''It was very successful as it gave the coach and the support staff a chance to meet all the 22 players from close and assess them. It also gave them a chance to interact closely with some of the young players in the country. We had tough sessions under tough conditions and we are very happy.'' On whether he had seen the wicket, Dravid said, ''I had a quick look at the wicket. It looks like a good flat wicket that has a little grass on it. It will go low as the match progresses.

But we are prepared to play on any surface that is provided for us. It is a part of the challenge of playing international cricket and I have never grudged with the wickets given to us.'' The topic veered to the territory of the two rookies Manoj Tewari and Piyush Chawla and Dravid said, ''They are very exciting talents like a few others back home. While Manoj has scored tons of runs in domestic cricket and has helped the team reach the final of the Ranji Trophy, Piyush has captained the U-19 team with a lot of maturity and has been nurtured as a Gen-Next leg-spinner.

''They are exiting talents and we hope to see them for a long time,'' he said.

On whether they have a realistic chance of making a debut, Dravid said, ''It is always a challenge to do well. It is a question of opportunities as well. The idea is to get the best team out so that we can win matches.

''If a new player fits into the scheme of things he will surely play. But the fact of the matter is that we have to win. Some may make their debut, and some may not,'' he concluded.

UNI