Kumble hails fielding, backs Dravid

Anil Kumble, who led Rest of India in this year's Irani Cup, has credited the team 187-run win over Delhi to the team's fielding and catching.

"It was a great fielding effort by the side," Kumble said. "We managed really some extraordinary catches which ultimately made a big difference to the outcome of the match. Catches always win matches and the boys were up to the mark today."

Notable among Rest of India's catches were Mohammad Kaif's low one at slip to dismiss Aakash Chopra in Delhi's first innings, two brilliant catches from Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps, and a couple of sharp takes at slip by Rahul Dravid.

"I am satisfied with the overall performance of the team," Kumble said. Most of the Rest of India players were regulars from India's Test squad, whom Kumble will lead in the upcoming Tests against Australia. "The bowlers did well and the batsmen also managed to spend some time out there, even though not all of them scored big. I'm happy with the way it went.

"The wicket was not conducive for stroke-play. It was not those kind of wickets where you go out and play your shots. It was quite difficult and I think the 75-run first innings lead proved crucial in the end."

Kumble and Gary Kirsten, India's coach, also backed Dravid to come good in the Test series. Dravid managed just 148 runs at 24.66 in three Tests against Sri Lanka, but scores of 46 and 69 in Vadodara have impressed his captain and coach.

"I think it turned out to be a good outing for him," Kirsten said. "He achieved what he had come for. He is a key player for us and has been successful for years. I do not look at a particular game, but performance over six or seven months. If someone has been in form for that period, it does not matter if he does well or not in a game. He knows now we face Australia, the world's No. 1 team, and it should give boost his confidence."

Kumble too said it was good that Dravid got some runs before the Tests. "He [Dravid] is a class act. In this kind of situation, you have to bat long and grind the bowlers. He knows that and he did a great job."

The first of the four Tests against Australia begins on October 9 in Bangalore.