London, Aug 21: Rahul Dravid once again stood tall amongst the ruins for India, carrying his bat through the first innings of the fourth Test with an unbeaten 146 runs. Returning to open the second innings after the follow-on was enforced, Dravid was given out caught for 13 runs despite the inconclusive nature of the TV replays.

At the end of Day 4, former cricketer and commentator for the current series Ravi Shastri discussed the day’s play with www.bcci.tv in an exclusive interview.

Excerpts:

On Rahul Dravid’s performance

Outstanding, his best tour of England. I would say he has batted outstandingly well against a good attack and in conditions where India had their backs to the wall and his performance outshone everybody else’s.

On Dravid being given out despite the inconclusive nature of the TV replays

I was really amazed to see Steve Davis giving it in favour of the bowler because there was clearly not enough evidence for him to overrule the decision that had been given on the field of play. What he has done here is, he overruled a decision that was given on the field of play but also overruled technology; there was hotspot which showed nothing and based on that fact, he should have just given him not out.

On Andrew Strauss enforcing the follow-on despite the bowlers being tired

Yes, he has no choice; there was no other way he could have won the game. He would have just wasted time had England batted and probably let India off the hook; there is every chance [of a victory here]. What he has to think of is that there can be rain [on Day 5]. [There may not have been] as much time as [needed] to take the wickets [had they not enforced the follow-on].

On the opportunity for Sachin Tendulkar to sign off with a huge score

He has got his eye in, he has cued in today; it’s again the first half hour that will be crucial. England will come hard at him, they will keep him honest. [There is] enough turn there for the off-spinner [Swann]; there will be a contest between him and Tendulkar but you need some other players to stay around with him. He will need a partnership of sorts. He will need a session like the first one that India had this morning where Amit [Mishra] stood with Rahul Dravid and ensured he went past three figures.

On James Anderson

He is an outstanding swing bowler; he is fit, he is athletic. Every spell that he bowls he is at the batsmen all the time. He has kept every batsman guessing because he has the ability to move the ball both ways at pace and he is aggressive.