Hosts ponder Dravid batting spot

Mohali: India may drop number three batsman Rahul Dravid down the order to help him regain form in the second Test against England starting today, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

India have no other concerns as they go into the final Test.

Dravid, 35, was dismissed for three and four in Chennai, where India achieved a 387–run fourth innings target, the fourth most successful run chase in Tests.

The batsman's future could hinge on his performance in Mohali, having averaged a measly 17 in the preceding 2–0 home series win over Australia.

Dhoni scotched speculation over Dravid's future. "I think it is a matter of time. Once he passes that 30–run mark the confidence would start," he said yesterday.

"That initial period, he is not able to pass that. But we have confidence in him, he will get runs at some time."

However, the team management are yet to decide whether to ask him to bat down the order.

"It looks easy: shifting Rahul to number five and VVS [Laxman] to number three, but imagine Laxman gets a good ball and gets out. There is already pressure on Dravid and all of a sudden there are three wickets down.

"Batting at number three it is only one down on the board, it gives him the freedom to play his natural game."