Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Dravid sent a clear message that there was no room for complacency after India’s 113-run win in the first Test at Centurion.
Dravid praised the Indian bowlers for bowling out South Africa in the Under 200 twice and credited the top-order batsmen for setting up the game with their batting on the first day.
“It’s not very often that you come in overseas conditions and score 272 for three on the first day,” he said. “We know we probably could have got more (runs). To get out for 327, that’s something we would like to improve upon.”
Dravid said that India could have batted better in the second innings as well, when they were bowled out for 174.
“It was a good Test match but there are areas where we can learn and improve because we know we have to do that in this game.”
India’s recently appointed coach said there was an awareness in the team that “maybe we have slipped a bit after winning a game. We are going to work very hard because I expect South Africa to respond tomorrow”.
Dravid gave credit Virat Kohlirole as captain and said it was “just a matter of time” before Kohli scored big scores again.
“Virat has been a phenomenal leader on and off the field. I felt the team was in a really good place in the first Test and a lot of it was because of Virat.”
Dravid said that he expects a normal Wanderers pitch. “Something can happen for the bowlers, as is usually the case, and then a little leveling for it, although in the end it becomes a bit tough for the batsmen.
“We know we have to play well because both the teams are capable of taking 20 wickets and if the weather lasts, the result is probably going to come in five days.”
Dravid said India were aware of the need to improve their over rate after making it to the World Championships by failing to bowl their overs in Centurion on time.
“The rules are the same for everyone,” he said. When you have four fast bowlers and the weather is hot it is difficult but we need to work on it.
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