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Pathan insists India can still win

By IANS

Adelaide : India’s left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan was elated after taking his 100th Test wicket, and insisted that the visitors still have a chance to win the Test and level the series 2-2 against Australia on the final day here Monday.

“Anything can happen on the last day if we can put some runs on the board. Australia has to bat last, there’s not a big change in the pitch but there would surely be more turn and we have world class spinners,” an elated Pathan, who Sunday became the seventh Indian player ever to have 100 wickets and more than 1000 runs.

Having started his career at the Adelaide Oval four years ago, Pathan termed venue as his lucky ground. “This is where I took my first wicket, and when I came on this morning I wanted to make it special by taking my 100th here,” he said.

Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist, playing his last Test match, was Pathan’s 100th scalp. “This is certainly more enjoyable and special,” Pathan said.

He picked up three wickets in the day and then came out to open the second innings for India but failed to do much as he departed soon without open his account.

“When Anil (Kumble) bhai asked me to open … I knew all these things are going to happen. After bowling, I knew it would be a bit more difficult to bat,” he said. “But I was up for it. It’s not easy to play Test cricket, it’s a test of character. The last six months have been critical for me. I did make a comeback but I really wanted to play Test cricket. The last two games have been good for me.”