By IANS
Adelaide : After scoring his 30th Test century, that took him past legendary Don Bradman’s mark, Australian opener Matthew Hayden charged India of adopting negative tactics by bowling wide on the third day of the final Test here Saturday.
“They decided to bowl four stumps outside the off-stump, we had to reach out to play those deliveries. I would say the tactics were evident when they didn’t take the second new ball, only to stop us from scoring quick runs. It was fine with us as we will be satisfied by not losing the game,” said Hayden.
Hayden’s comments are expected to start a war of words in both the camps again as Indian opener Virender Sehwag had earlier said the hosts’ slow scoring rate was a result of their fear of losing the Test.
The Australian opener, however, was elated at scoring the century on Australia Day, and termed it most satisfactory. It was also his third successive against India.
“It was a beauty. It came on Australia Day, the conditions were challenging and we were facing a huge first innings target. We needed a sound start. We could have easily been 300 for eight at the draw of stumps today which we are not,” he said.
“It was important to set up a platform for Australia and for which we needed to occupy the crease.”
The left-handed batsman added that hitting the ball was difficult after it got soft.
“It’s a very abrasive surface. It made the ball go soft in 15 overs. It made scoring difficult,” he said.
After three days of play, Australia trail India by 204 runs and Hayden said: “It’s now important how we bat tomorrow. It’s going to be a huge first session tomorrow. We are ready to play out the full day if we can.
Hayden was disappointed by the news of retirement of his one-day opening partner Adam Gilchrist.
“It’s a massive and a surprising news. We were privileged to play with a remarkable Australian who wore the baggy green with great pride and passion. He truly is one of the greatest to have ever played the game,” Hayden said about Gilchrist.
“He told us individually this morning. It was an overwhelming feeling. He gave a great dimension to Australian cricket and fulfilled everything that was asked of him.
“He entertained not only himself but everyone globally. He was statesmanlike and was keen to build relationships all the time. He bonded cricketers and changed world cricket.”