Rahul Dravid is confident of leading the Indians in their final match before the first npower Test against England tomorrow week, despite further concerns about a nagging calf strain.
The captain batted for 22 overs with a runner, but did not field yesterday and a specialist’s opinion may be sought if his injury does not settle down. Dravid confirmed that the Indians intend to play their front-line batsmen when they complete preparations for Lord’s with a three-day match against England Lions at Chelmsford starting on Friday.
Apart from his own fitness, Dravid is happy with preparations. V. V. S. Laxman’s first-innings 95 has probably secured his place, especially as Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir failed to impress. Gambhir cut loosely to backward point, while Yuvraj was caught behind down the leg side to give James Kirtley his long-awaited 600th first-class wicket, 114 overs and 84 days since his last.
Dravid, meanwhile, helped R. P. Singh to put on 64 in 12 overs for the ninth wicket before setting Sussex 273 to win off 55 overs. In the absence of Chris Adams and Murray Goodwin, Sussex had little option but to play for a draw.
Singh struck twice with his outswingers to strengthen his Test claims and Anil Kumble appeared to have made the decisive contribution with three wickets, including Richard Montgomerie, who had held the top order together with his fifth half-century of the season. The Indians had seven overs to take the last wicket, but Robin Martin-Jenkins and Jason Lewry survived.