‘We gel well’

The Mr Dependable, who has amassed 5,717 Test runs, felt it was nice to do well against a side that came into the match well prepared. ‘‘They were going according to plan and their field placings were good and controlled the game well,” added Dravid. Dravid was, however, surprised a bit at Stephen Fleming’s decision to bring in off-spinner Paul Wiseman as late as in 77th over of the match. ‘‘It was a bit surprising. Maybe, according to them it was a good decision as their bowlers — Daryl Tuffey, Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori — were keeping the run flow in check.’’ Dravid said the wicket was slow but a good one. ‘‘I hope it breaks on the third and fourth days, but for now, it looks quite good.’’ VVS Laxman, with whom the batsman has had several good partnerships previously, too, blossomed and played some aggressive shots as Dravid dropped anchor. It was in the company of Dravid that Laxman hit the innings of his lifetime against the Aussies at Kolkata. ‘‘Well, there is no secret behind our successful partnerships. We understand each other’s game very well. We both know exactly what works for each other. He knows what to tell me when I commit a mistake and I know what he needs,’’ said Dravid talking of Laxman’s innings.

Meanwhile, Scott Styris, the man who got the vital wicket of Sachin Tendulkar, was a pleased man. ‘‘I think our bowlers bowled pretty well after a big break. It was pleasing to get the wicket of Sachin.’’ He, however, felt a couple of more wickets would have done a lot of good.