'Dravid will kick ass in Tests': Dhoni

Rahul Dravid may be going through a difficult phase with the bat but the middle-order batsman still has the support of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni feels the former skipper will break free from the prolonged bad patch in the Test series against England.

"As of now, he has been shaping up well and he had time to go home in between. Talent wise we all know Dravid's capabilities and he needs to focus now. He is one of the most committed cricketers you see around and definitely he will get into good scores in this series and make a headway," Dhoni said.

Enquired if the senior batsman would be asked to bat lower in the order, Dhoni said, "You will get to know during the game. I do not really disclose the plans." According to him, winning the two-match series against England was important as the team wanted to end a successful year on a winning note.

"It is important for us to win the series and end the year on a successful note. This is one of the years in which we have done well in every format of the game. Definitely we are looking forward to a good result in this series," he said.

Dhoni sought the same intensity from his teammates which they showed against Australia and said they needed to play their aggressive brand of cricket.

"Of course, we need to be at the same level. It does not matter which opposition you are playing. In international cricket you have to be aggressive and be controlled at the same time.

"The focus is on execution of our plans to our potential. Then, we will have the chances of doing well. Of course, the intensity will be well up," he said.

Asked about the England attack, Dhoni refused to underestimate the visitors but insisted he was thinking more about India's strength and weaknesses. "They are a better bowling side. But we are in good nick and we have the basics right. Preparation and plans that we got and our execution have been really good.

"We focus on that rather than thinking about oppositions bowling attack. It is important to set some plans to tackle the bowlers. We do not have any injury worries and will announce our eleven tomorrow," he said.

comments