Former captain Rahul Dravid today rued the timing of his dismissal, as he wanted to carry on batting to tackle the second new ball. Dravid struck form here and scored 93 before succumbing to Andrew Symonds. Having missed a century on the opening day of the third Test against Australia here, he expressed his disappointment. “It’s disappointing to get out at that stage, especially the timing was not good. In the last half hour Laxman and I were trying to be there when the new ball was taken.”

“I am happy with my effort. I had worked hard and fought my way back to score the runs. But it’s not about me (missing out on a hundred), but the team situation.”

On the team’s strategy

• “We were very clear about batting first on this wicket. Yesterday, we saw the wicket and knew the first couple of hours would be crucial. But it is a good wicket, a flat and firm one. We had no real second thoughts.”

“It’s better to bat in the first innings on this wicket and use Anil Kumble later (in bowling). It could be enjoyable to bowl in the fourth innings.”

On India’s attitude towards the bouncy Perth wicket

• “Such a wicket gives you a chance to play. If you get set and play well, you get value for your shots. There is something for the bowlers and something for the batsmen.”

Comparing Sydney to Perth

• “The players were competitive. But it was little more relaxed than Sydney.”