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2nd Test: Dravid works on technique

Last updated on: January 1, 2012 15:26 IST

He is second highest run-maker in Test cricket's history but Indian batting veteran Rahul Dravid remains a student of the game and was seen fussing on his technique during the net session ahead of the second Test against Australia starting in Sydney on Tuesday.

Dravid requested coach Duncan Fletcher to have a close look at him while fielding coach Trevor Penny did the throw-downs from a shorter distance at the nets.

Dravid sorts out his defensive strokes

Last updated on: January 1, 2012 15:26 IST

Thrice Dravid had his stumps rattled at the MCG which is quite unusual even though one of them turned out to be a no-ball.

The issue which Dravid wanted to sort out was why his defensive strokes on the off-side were creating a gap between his bat and pad.

From afar it appeared that Penny was suggesting Dravid wasn't leaning enough on to his drives while Fletcher wanted his body and shoulder alignment to move in one line while pressing forward.

Most of the Indians hit the nets early

Last updated on: January 1, 2012 15:26 IST

The visitors hit the ground by early on Sunday morning and went about their business with intensity.

Opener Virender Sehwag though is never far from a wisecrack and when Fletcher came by the side of the net to look at his technique, the Delhi-dasher quipped: "What's this, I just can't see the ball."

As a worried Fletcher came closer, Sehwag quipped "It's the hangover of last night."

Fletcher quietly moved away from his corner.

Sachin Tendulkar looked completely at ease and faced usual throwdowns from Raghu.

This is the venue which he calls his second home and a fair number were willing to bet on his 100th century at the SCG.

Kohli might get a second chance

Last updated on: January 1, 2012 15:26 IST

The tailenders also received quite a bit of attention in terms of batting practice.

The Australian tailenders caused India grief at the MCG while there own weren't remarkable.Pace spearhead Zaheer Khan was one of the early ones to pad up at the nets.

By the looks of it, Virat Kohli should remain in the eleven. The Delhi youngster was almost taking the cover off the ball with his shots.

The two selectors, Narendra Hirwani and Mohinder Amarnath, also overviewed the camp.

Indians too supported the McGrath Foundation

Last updated on: January 1, 2012 15:26 IST

There was the usual promotion for the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer support and education charity organisation, which is the passionate cause of Australian bowling legend Glen McGrath.

The entire Australian team wore pink caps in support of the Foundation but interestingly, Indians too donned those pink caps as a gesture of support.

By all accounts, the Indians had a quiet New Year's Eve last night though Tendulkar and a few other players, along with their wives, attended the harbour cruise.

In the afternoon on Sunday, the two teams were scheduled to have a tea session with Australian Prime Minster Julian Gillard.

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