More than missing a century, it is the timing of his dismissal that rankled Rahul Dravid [Images] at the end of the opening day's play in the third Test between India and Australia in Perth on Wednesday.

Dravid, who struck form after struggling in the first two Tests, negotiated the Australian pace attack well to notch a well-knit 93 before succumbing to a big hit off Andrew Symonds [Images].

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"It's disappointing to get out at that stage, especially the timing was not good. In the last half hour me and Laxman were trying to be there when the new ball was taken," Dravid said.

The former captain, however, drew some satisfaction from the fact that he played a good knock after a lot of hard work.

"I am happy with my effort. I had worked hard and fought my way back to score the runs. But it's not about me [missing out on a hundred], but the team situation," he said.

Dravid said the team think-tank was never in any confusion about what to do if India won the toss.

"We were very clear about batting first on this wicket. Yesterday, we saw the wicket and knew the first couple of hours would be crucial. But it is a good wicket, a flat and firm one. We had no real second thought.

"It's better to bat in the first innings on this wicket and use Anil Kumble [Images] later [while bowling]. It could be enjoyable to bowl in the fourth innings," Dravid said.

He said there was no fear in the minds of the Indian batsmen that the wicket could be fast and bouncy.

"Such a wicket gives you a chance to play. If you get set and play well, you get value for your shots. There is something for the bowlers and something for the batsmen," he said.

Recalling the bad memories of the controversial Sydney Test, Dravid said the first day at WACA passed off quite smoothly.

"The players were competitive. But it was little more relaxed than Sydney," he added.