Still possible to force result: Dravid

Dravid added 268 runs for the second wicket with Virender Sehwag (319) and said it was a privilege to watch such a high class innings from the other end.

The events on the fourth day may have dealt a blow for India’s chances of taking a lead in the Test series against South Africa, but seasoned batsman Rahul Dravid thinks there is still a chance of forcing a result in the first Test.

India squandered a commanding position at the start of the day and by stumps, the Proteas had not only erased the first innings deficit of 87, but had gone in front by 44. But Dravid was optimistic that all was not lost yet.

“There is still a chance of a result. I would rather be in our dressing room than in theirs (South African). But it will require a big effort from the bowlers tomorrow,” the former skipper, who completed 10,000 runs and his 25th Test hundred in his knock of 111, said.

The Indians will need to get breakthroughs early on the final day, Dravid felt.

“The first session tomorrow will be crucial. We have two quality spinners (Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh) If we can get a few early wickets, it will not be easy for a new batsman coming in.”

Dravid added 268 runs for the second wicket with Virender Sehwag (319) and said it was a privilege to watch such a high class innings from the other end.

“It was an exceptional and breathtaking innings. Only he could have played such an innings. The range of shots was special – 360 degrees round the wicket. The pace at which he scored was amazing. It was like watching a highlights package. At times, it was difficult to keep my emotions in check,” he said.

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Though Sehwag failed to break West Indian legend Brian Lara’s world record of 400 runs in an innings, Dravid said there should be no regret.

“When the day started, there was anticipation from us and the crowd. We felt that if he bats for two hours, he may get closer, if not break it. But nothing to regret, Sehwag had played one of the finest innings,” he said.

The Karnataka batsman was especially proud of the number of big partnerships he has been involved in over the years.

“This is not something one sets out to do, but I am proud of my role in that regard. It shows the quality of the players we have and the batsmanship they can show. We have had a very good batting line-up for a long time now,” he said.

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“We do share our successes and moments of glory. Anil’s 600 wickets is an amassing achievement and a special one. Sehwag’s feat yesterday is truly special and one of the best that I have witnessed. I was lucky to watch two best innings from the other end and the other is by VVS Laxman when he made 281 against Australia in Kolkata. It feels great for us, a generation of cricketers setting such records.”

On the personal front, he expressed happiness that he got a ton after a relatively barren patch of late.

“The last one year has been a tough one and I played well in patches. It is all part and parcel of game. I have been fighting, particularly after a finger injury in Adelaide,” Dravid said.

On joining the elite 10,000 bracket, which has members such as Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid said, “I am elated to be in that club and it is a great company. Both of them are great batsmen. I know that Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis are also going to get there soon.”