Dravid gets the pat from Ian Botham

New Delhi: Indian skipper Rahul Dravid's army of fans has got a new member.

Former England all-rounder Ian Botham has said that Dravid was different from his fellow superstars who were good only in their own backyards.

He also said Dravid had responded brilliantly to the challenge of captaincy and deserved all the praise for leading the team forward after a turbulent period that saw the sacking of Sourav Ganguly as the skipper.

"You can see the way he has come on in the last few months. He took on the responsibility of captaincy in adverse circumstances with the issue of Sourav Ganguly dragging on but he has responded brilliantly," Botham said.

"The Indian team has a few superstars in their ranks who are said to be only good in their own backyards. Whenever pitted against real quality fast bowlers, they are usually found out. But Dravid is different. He has the technique and his record proves his ability on all surfaces," he was quoted as saying in Khaleej Times on Saturday.

"The way he handled Andrew Flintoff in the last series was praiseworthy. To his credit, the team has made strides under him and Chappell," he added.

Dravid, who has a better batting average overseas than at home, is regarded as 'The Wall' of Indian cricket.

Dravid's home average is 51.52 with eight centuries and 21 half-centuries but his overseas record is much better.

But when he is out of India he scores at an average of 65.28 and has 15 centuries along with 25 half-centuries to his credit.

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