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Only Australia looking to win, says centurion Clarke

Sat Nov 1, 2008 7:58pm IST
 
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By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Only Australia were keen to push for an unlikely win in the third test against India, vice-captain Michael Clarke said on Saturday after rallying the visitors with a chancy century.

Clarke struck 112, his eighth test hundred, after he was dropped three times to rally Australia to 577 all out in reply to India's first innings 613-7 declared.

The Australian bowlers then had India down to 43 for two, including the wicket of tail-ender Ishant Sharma, who was sent in as nightwatchman.

India are 79 runs ahead with eight wickets left with draw looking the likely result on a slow pitch still good for batting.

Clarke dubbed India as defensive for sending Sharma to bat.

"We've seen this evening India sending a nightwatchman, they are pretty defensive," he told reporters. "I know Australia will certainly be the one team out there tomorrow trying to win.

"We'll try and take a couple of wickets early, we'll be attacking," he said. "India won't set us any target tomorrow."

The 27-year-old, who hit a match-winning 151 on test debut in 2004, was delighted to reach three figures after being dropped on 21, 90 and 94.   Continued...

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