Dominica Test brings back the memory of 2007 England series
Rahul Dravid was infamously criticised by the media for refusing to enforce the follow-on against England at The Oval during India's tour of the UK in 2007.
Rahul Dravid was infamously criticised by the media for refusing to enforce the follow-on against England at The Oval during India's tour of the UK in 2007.
Having bowled England out for 345 to take a first-innings lead of 319 runs, Dravid's side batted a further 58 overs in their second innings, setting England an improbable target of 500. Kevin Pietersen's century denied India a thumping 2-0 series win. Dravid consumed 96 balls for just 12 runs during India's second innings a batting statistic that drew further criticism.
Even as Dravid stood ground defending his decision, senior pace bowler Zaheer Khan contradicted his captain's justification.
"It's just that my bowlers had bowled 90 odd overs (in England's first innings), I can understand why people are disappointed sitting in their living rooms, but I have to look at my bowlers and the amount of work load they have put in the long series. I know them from close quarters and know their body language," Dravid said after India's first series win in England after 21 years. Zaheer told a TV channel: "I don't think I was tired."