Huge challenge awaits India in England: Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid during a promotional event yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Former skipper Rahul Dravid feels it will be challenging for India to take 20 wickets against England in the five-Test series, starting July 9.


Rahul Dravid during a promotional event yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

"The challenge for India mostly will be the ability to get 20 wickets. They must find a way to get them, because bowlers finally win you Tests. We saw Sri Lanka's first Test against England.

They just didn't seem to get those 20 wickets. I think this becomes a big challenge for sub-continent teams. I think we are in for a great series if India can find a couple of good bowlers who can step up," Dravid said during a promotional event Gillette in the city where he was accompanied by off spinner R Ashwin and director Arbaaz Khan yesterday.

Dravid's team won the 2007 Test series in England 1-0, thanks largely to the efforts of the pacers. And, that's something they will require once again.

"In 2007, we had Zaheer (Khan), S Sreesanth and RP Singh who bowled beautifully and were well supported by Anil (Kumble). So, I think the question is about stepping up. The potential is there. Ishant has been around for a long time. He really needs to perform. He has to lead this attack for the next couple of years because there is no Zaheer."

Spin duo
Dravid also felt spinners Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja could have decisive roles to play. "They are bowlers whom I will try because it does start turning on the fourth or fifth day, and they can definitely come to the fore," he said.

Ashwin, meanwhile, said he is watching England's ongoing series against Sri Lanka to get an idea about the English team. "I have been watching the Sri Lanka series very closely and am trying to take advantage of what's happening there.

Lanka is very close to what we are doing, so in terms of sub-continental conditions, I am trying to take a leaf out of them," he said.