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India still has a chance: Pathan

Special Correspondent

— Photo: AP

A CENTURY: Irfan Pathan has every reason to celebrate after dismissing Brett Lee, his 100th Test victim.

Adelaide: Irfan Pathan, who claimed his 100th Test wicket here on Sunday, said India still had a shot at levelling the series.

“We have to bat well tomorrow and if we put some runs on the board, Australia has to bat last and so many matches have changed on the last day,” said Pathan.

“We have two great spinners and anything can happen. It will be a very interesting day.”

Asked if India considered another opening option in the second innings, Pathan, who was dismissed leg-before on Sunday evening, said he had factored the challenge of opening the batting after a long day bowling when his captain had asked him.

The left-armer said it was special to get his 100th wicket on the ground he made his debut. “I played my first match here, and I got my first wicket here. It’s been a good four years.”

Pathan had words of praise for Ishant Sharma, his new-ball partner in the Test. “Wonderful, can’t say more than that. The way he has put in, he is just 19,” said Pathan.

Good fast bowler

“When I see him I look back to myself, we are very different bowlers, he is quicker than me, more tall, but I started my cricket career here in Australia. India has found a very good fast bowler.” Asked about the masked intruder who held up play, Pathan, who was bowling at the time, said, “It’s not something that happens in India, so we just enjoyed it.”

Michael Clarke, who completed his century on Sunday, said the team was looking to give Adam Gilchrist ‘the perfect farewell’.

“I certainly think Australia wants to win,” he added. “I don’t know what India are thinking and I think at this stage none of the guys in my change room are really bothered. We just need to focus on what we do best.

“It’s going to be hard,” said Clarke. “I think we’re going to have to bowl really well but once the ball gets a bit softer it’ll be hard for India to score. We’ll get a bit of reverse swing with the quick bowlers and Brad Hogg, Andrew Symonds and hopefully myself can play a big part tomorrow as well because there’s just enough there for the spinners.”

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