On the eve of Tuesday's opening match of a three-game encounter more than half the India squad were ill with flu and they went down to defeat.

But Dravid's men drew level Friday when, with Sachin Tendulkar making a dashing 93 that saw him become the first cricketer to break the 15,000 ODI run barrier, they beat South Africa by six wickets.

South Africa are second in the International Cricket Council (ICC) one-day rankings, compared to India's sixth, and in November and December of last year enjoyed a 4-0 one-day series win against their current opponents on home soil.

But Dravid was in upbeat mood as India warmed-up for the challenge of a three-Test and seven ODI tour of England starting next month.

"The victory (Friday) is a big boost to the side -- the boys have fought really hard. Our preparation for this tournament wasn't exactly ideal. We've had a tough few days, and the boys have responded really well.

"They have not complained -- we have gone on and done what we needed to do and played good cricket -- and we fully deserve to be level in the series."