http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Dravid-c2229 – Cricket News Update
Australia’s Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 paid tribute to the veteran Indian batsman Rahul Dravid prior to his retirement, which is expected to be announced during a press conference later today in Bangalore.
“He's probably the nicest guy - no, he is the nicest guy - that I've met in cricket. He's a phenomenal man,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Watson as saying.
The legendary 39-year-old is among the most renowned classical Test batsmen, and one of the most senior Indian players, along with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772.
After speculation regarding the future of the elder players rose to a pitch following India’s humiliating 0-4 Test whitewash by the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, Dravid is the first to step up and call his prolific 15-year Test
career to an end.
While the right-hander managed 319 runs at an average of 64 in a home series against the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013, he was in bad form during the Test series Down Under this January, scoring only 194 runs at an average
of 29.
However, Watson is of the opinion that Dravid is still in good form, and his disappointing performance in the Test series had more to do with the host team’s brilliant bowling attack. He went on to state that the outgoing Indian cricketer had an immense
love for the game, and his absence would be keenly felt by all.
“He loves the game with so much passion, it's in his blood and in his heart. He is certainly going to be sorely missed by the Indian public and the cricket loving public as well,” the 30-year-old pointed out.
While his international Test career draws to a close, India’s veteran batsman will still be part of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rajasthan-c837 Royals, whom he will be captaining in the upcoming season of IPL in April this year. Watson, who is also part of the Rajasthan line-up, is grateful
for the chance of continued interaction with Dravid.
“I suppose I'm lucky that he's my captain for Rajasthan so I'll continue to talk cricket as much as I possibly can because I do love talking to him. He's got a lot of knowledge to be able to give,” the Aussie all-rounder said.
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