When England arrived in India, much of the talk centered on what would be the margin of the result in favour of India, not whether the result will actually be in its favour - that much seemed a foregone conclusion. This margin became wider as more English players were rendered hors de combat. Now we know better.

Having accepted the captaincy, or rather given it under unenviable conditions, it would have been very easy for Flintoff to oblige the proposed scoreline and plead not guilty. No one would have blamed him either. With two of their best batsmen - captain included - and a frontline bowler being non-starters, it was incredible that England fielded a fully fit playing eleven at all. To lead it and not only not lose 3-0, but also to pull one back when another bowler drops out...

It is true that India fought tooth and nail. But that it had to fight at all is largely due to the spirit shown by the English team, and the one man in particular. He probably missed a few tricks on occasions - like letting the Indian batsmen make a comeback in a couple of innings - but hey, give him a break; he almost topped the charts in both bowling and batting. Collingwood played one more innings and managed nine more runs, and Hoggard bested him by two wickets. Even as a member of the team, these achievements are nothing short of magnificent. Add to it he captained a team hastily put together, it becomes inspirational.

It is in this light we have to view Dravid's performance in this series. A total of 309 runs in 6 innings at an average of 61.8, while no mean achievement, falls short of his counterpart's spoils. It is probably unfair to Dravid, since he can't perform with the ball. But he could field, and with his fielding set the standard for his team to follow. That he didn't does not speak in his favour.

In his formative years, Dravid was a good batsman. Ever trying to improve, he has become a great batsman, and more recently, his exploits in the slips have made him a great all-rounder. Which is why it is sad that his 100th test, instead of being a pleasant experience like Ricky Ponting's, would go down as a forgettable affair. Had he only held on to the chances he missed! Had he only finished with a fine knock in the last innings! I know it is foolhardy to expect him to rescue the team every time like an American superhero saving a damsel in distress. But then, it is only of great men do we demand great things. Dravid could have placed himself beyond reproach by erecting yet another monument of his skills. Had he done so, he certainly would have been Captain Courageous. But as of now, he comes only second-best in this encounter. It is Flintoff who emerges with his reputation intact, nay, greatly enhanced even.