Needed a big partnership, we had the big players for it: Rahul Dravid on India's defeat against Australia in the WTC final

As India slumped down to an agonizing defeat at the hands of Australia in a disappointing outing at the Oval in the World Test Championship final, Indian coach Rahul Dravid opened up on the entire scenario in a post-match interview and highlighted where things started going south for team India.

From the target to India's approach, Dravid was critical of everything that went wrong for India in the all-important finale and from a juncture of a historic victory in the making, Dravid confessed how India crumbled under pressure.

The Indian coach said, "It was obviously difficult (the target). There's always a hope no matter how far we're behind. Many Tests over the last 2 years where we've fought hard from difficult situation."

Talking about the track, Dravid said, "Needed a big partnership, we had the big players for it, but they had the upper hand. This can happen. It wasn't a 469 pitch. Gave away too many in the last session (on Day 1)."

Dravid also shed some light on the mistakes, stating, "We knew what lines and lengths to bowl. Our lengths weren't bad but we probably bowled too wide. Gave room to Head. Some of the shots we played, maybe we could've been more careful."

Adding about the pitch on day five, Rahul Dravid said, "There was a lot of grass on the wicket, and conditions were cloudy. We've seen in England batting gets easier. There wasn't much help on Day 4 or 5 if you saw. We got them on 70/3, but then let it slip away. Even the last time we played at Edgbaston, pitch got easier to bat. 300-plus was chased."

Dravid further added, "Our top five are all very experienced. By their own high standards. These same players have won in Australia, in England. This is not up to their high standards. Some of the wickets have been quite challenging. This was a good pitch I'll admit. But some of the other places it's been tough. Even in India pitches have been tough. Taking this into account, averages have dropped across the board, not just for us."

He continued, "Nobody wants wickets to turn from the first ball. But when you are playing for points, in situations like that, you have to take risks. And we aren't the only ones taking risks. Look at Australia, the pitches there. Sometimes the pressure is on you to get those points in every game."

Dravid also opened up on India's trophy drought stating, "It is a risk we have to take. We are getting close. We're getting to semis, to final. Just that we haven't played the best cricket on the day. No one wants it more than the players. Can't fault their efforts. Just haven't played our best cricket on the occasion."

He finally put the lid on the entire discussion, stating, "Never going to be happy with the prep as a coach. But that's the reality we are faced with. Coming here three weeks earlier, having a practice game would be ideal. But we have to make do with what we can. Don't think we should make excuses."