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Dravid backed to come good

Image: Dravid: struggling

Out-of-form batsman Rahul Dravid has received encouraging words from India's assistant coach Lalchand Rajput.

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India will respond positively to their first Test defeat against Australia says assistant coach Lalchand Rajput. The tourists were bowled out for scores of 196 and 161 during a 337-run thrashing in the series opener at the MCG. But Rajput is backing India's experienced batting line-up to produce a much improved display in the second Test, which starts on January 2 in Sydney. "I think self-belief is very important and as a player if you have self-belief you can always survive in any conditions," he said. "When we started the Test match we had to be in a frame of mind where we were very positive. "A good start was crucial and we didn't get it and that put a lot of pressure on us. "In the first Test we were a bit defensive but we'll come back very strong because we also have strategies, which I cannot tell you now, but definitely we'll be back strongly."

Sehwag recall?

Rajput refused to say if Virender Sehwag, who has not played a Test for 12 months, would be recalled to the starting XI at the SCG. Rahul Dravid was moved up one place in the order to open with Wasim Jaffer in Melbourne, a decision that backfired as the former skipper was rendered almost strokeless during innings of five and 16. "All 15 are available for selection so we'll have a look at the wicket and see which is the best XI we can play in the Test match," said Rajput. Rajput did play down suggestions that Dravid will be dropped from the starting line-up altogether. "When a batsman goes through a lean patch where he can't get runs I think there's an area where he has to overcome that," he added. "I'm sure he'll bounce back because he's a tremendous cricketer. I'm sure he'll come back strongly."

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