Dravid, a sheet-anchor to the core

Sunday January 20, 01:46 AM

Runs: 93 and 3.

Catches: 2 and 1

Team spirit: 100 per cent

That was Rahul Dravid's contribution to the victory in Perth, a victory that showed to the world of cricket that Australians, after all, are mere mortals even on the cricket field.

As Team India celebrated, young seamers like Ishant Sharma, RP Singh and Irfan Pathan grabbed the limelight. Even Virender Sehwag did, with his magical spell that saw the dangerous Adam Gilchrist go back to the pavilion.

And all through this, the former India skipper perhaps looked on a little indulgently, generous in his praise for his team, which created history today.

"Nobody gave us a chance to win the Test but we showed what we can do," a beaming Dravid said after India's 72-run win over Australia. "It was a team effort and I am happy for Kumble and the boys that we came up with a remarkable win."

What he perhaps did not add was at the moment of victory, not too many people were talking about his considerable contribution in this Test. And that seems to be the story of his life - providing the base for success on which the finer touches have been provided by others who grabbed the imagination of the fans.

Take the famous Kolkata Test of 2001 for instance. Even someone who thinks cricket is an insect associates VVS Laxman with that magical Eden victory against Australia. But while Laxman rightfully claimed his moment in the sun with a brilliant 281, Dravid was the rock at the other end scoring 180. Not a mean feat by any standards.

Even on his debut the story was similar. A 95 at Lords can be called a dream debut for any youngster. And it was for Dravid too. But did he get to hog the limelight? Not really. There was this small matter of another debutant - one who went on to become India's most successful captain. Sourav Ganguly, who made it to that team almost by default, scored a brilliant 131.

And if one may add, this victory at Perth may well have been under the leadership of Dravid had he himself not relinquished his captaincy earlier last year.