Chittagong, May 22: Though India fielded five bowlers in the first Test against Bangladesh, skipper Rahul Dravid lamented the absence of veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble who did not bowl in the match due to a flu.

"There was a lot of time lost in the match. We needed Anil in the middle. He could have been a big factor. Unfortunately, he was not there," Dravid said after the Test ended in a draw.

India had Bangladesh on the mat at 149 for eight in the first innings but squandered the advantage, allowing them to come back through Masrafe Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain.

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Asked about India's sporting declaration in the second innings, giving Bangladesh an achievable target of 250 in 43 overs, Dravid said that was his only hope to win the match.

"We wanted to make it interesting for everybody," Dravid said on a lighter note.

"We wanted to have a crack at them for 40-45 overs. That was our only chance to have a go at them. We needed early wickets to keep them in check. The wicket was good till the end and they played sensibly," he said.

He praised Dinesh Kaarthick and debutant Ramesh Powar for their efforts in the middle.

"He (Powar) was bowling on his debut and did well. Kaarthick had a good Test match," Dravid said. (Agencies)