India's Likeliest Lad at Lords

Rahul Dravid: Photo by lensbug.chandru

It wasn't supposed to be his show. He was only meant to play a supporting role (for the umpteenth time). The stage had been primed at Lords, the home of cricket, for Sachin Tendulkar to score his 100th international century in the 2000th Test match, and 100th between England and India. But Rahul Dravid hijacked the script, despite his side's loss. He starred with a brilliant century in the first inning and batted for a long time in the second before the end came. His performance wasn't surprising.

Rahul Dravid has built a reputation as a solid and indefatigable batsman for the past 15 years, but unlike others in the Indian team (namely Tendulkar) he hasn't exactly been box office (or should I say Bollywood). He seemed to have slipped under the radar in the buildup to this match, which I imagine would have suited him just fine. Mike Atherton, on television commentary, remarked that hardly anyone watched him at net sessions, while Tendulkar rehearsed in front of scores of people. It meant more pressure on the Little Master, less pressure on Dravid.

He also would have done himself no harm by participating in the just concluded Caribbean tour. While some of his colleagues opted out citing injury, illness or fatigue, Dravid went to the West Indies and battled with the likes of Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul and Davendra Bishoo. It might have been a low-keyed series, but it turned out to be challenging for batsmen on both sides. When the curtain came down on the last match Dravid had scored 251 runs including a century on a bouncy Sabina Park pitch. The balls faced in those games would have been invaluable in preparation for this series; take note Gautam Gambhir (he also missed the tour).

In addition to the momentum carried over from the West Indies, Dravid has called on his experience of English conditions. Of the current Indian team only Tendulkar would have played more Test cricket in England. However, Dravid’s was the best technique on display in that first inning: he played very late to the swinging ball, which is a feature of the conditions. He also backed that up with immense concentration and patience which was crucial. At no point did he appear bothered by the occasion or the opposition.

The one thing that might have been on his mind, however, was the memory of a young man getting out for 95 on his debut at the very same venue 15 years ago. Not only did he go eight runs better this time, he made sure not to be dismissed.

There were some decent performances from other members of the Indian cast: Suresh Raina, after failing to score in the first innings, made 78 in the second; VVS Laxman made 56, while Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma picked up wickets. However, Dravid's performance was always going to make the final cut.