Dravid, who scored 62 in the first innings of the three-day match against ACT XI, said he opted to play the game not because he was too perturbed by his poor form but just to get some more practice in the middle.

Skipper Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman opted out of the three-day game at the Manuka Oval, leaving Dravid as the most experienced player in the side.

“Despite whatever the impression is being conveyed, I am in a pretty relaxed frame of mind and keen to play,” said Dravid, who gave signs of return to form in Sydney but would still like to feel better at the crease.

His impressive knock of 62 on Thursday came on a pitch where the ball came on to the bat.

“I looked to play the ball on merit. It also came to the bat a lot better and once I was set, I played a few more shots,” Dravid said.