India coach Gary Kirsten has declared embattled batsman Rahul Dravid is ready to salvage his career against Australia. The man known as "The Wall" for his once impregnable defence has started to crack in recent years, despite a stellar average of 53.92 after 125 Tests. Dravid averaged a modest 35.64 in 10 Tests in 2007 and has fared little better this year, averaging 36.13 in nine matches.
His inability to find any rhythm, let alone hit the ball off the square, was painful to watch at times in Australia last summer but, despite this, he remains a feared opponent having averaged 45.78 in 23 Tests against the world champions.
Dravid's place in the Indian team has been the subject of much debate, particularly as he has managed to escape the axe which looks to have ended the career of fellow veteran Sourav Ganguly.
That may be in part due to Dravid being one of the true gentlemen of the sport, but niceties won't help him score runs against an Australian attack which has a point to prove. Dravid's return of 46 and 69 for a Rest of India team - which was almost a full-strength Test side - pleased not only his followers but Kirsten and captain Anil Kumble.
"I think it turned out to be a good outing for him," Kirsten said.
"He is a key player for us and has been successful for years. He knows now we face Australia, the world No.1 team and it should boost his confidence."
Kirsten, the former South African batsman, was also buoyed by the efforts of spinners Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in the clash against a Delhi side featuring Indian spearhead Ishant Sharma.
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