Didn’t expect Dravid: Ponting

NAGPUR: Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he was baffled by Team India’s decision to send in out-of-form Rahul Dravid in the sixth ODI which the hosts lost by 18 runs.

Dravid was promoted to number four when the hosts were chasing an imposing total of 317 to keep alive their hopes of squaring the seven-match series. And all he could contribute was seven. “That was a bit of a surprise with there being other hitters in their team,” Ponting said.

He, however, soon went on to explain the possible reason behind the move. “Probably the Indians had their own reasons, thinking to keep wickets intact and then going for the runs at that stage,” he said.

Ponting also praised the innings of 107 by all-rounder Andrew Symonds and said considering everything, it was the clincher in the match.

“There were quite a few turning points, but considering everything, I would say Andrew’s innings was the defining one.”

“It was an exceptional and sensible innings and came at a time when we had lost three wickets for 100-odd after a good beginning,” said the Aussie skipper. Ponting said that the Queensland powerhouse has grown in maturity over the years.