Napier: Coach John Wright sprung to the defence of his vice-captain Rahul Dravid after the star Indian batsman suffered his second successive failure in the three- day game against Central Districts at McLean Park on Sunday.

"Dravid has missed out in this game but he is a quality player and technically the best equipped to score runs in New Zealand," Wright said after the match ended in a draw with India placed at a comfortable 191 for three.

Dravid was out off his only second ball in the first innings and was bowled by a fine leg-cutter from Andrew Schwass in the second. Wright looked at the positives from the game and made light of Indians' failure in the first innings.

"There were a few positives from the game. Virender Sehwag, Sanjay Bangar and Sachin Tendulkar all had a good hit," he said. Wright had a special word of praise for Bangar who made 70 in the second innings to go with his 21 in the first innings.

"Bangar is a committed player who can adapt his play according to needs," said Wright. "As for the collapse in the first innings, we have talked about it and I wouldn't be too concerned. These are all quality players.

"We couldn't get their tail out on the second afternoon but it was also because we made bowling changes to give everyone some practice," Wright said.

Extras:
Indian batsman get good practice, match drawn
Indians expect Zaheer to be fit for 1st Test vs Kiwis