Australia looks to win for Gilchrist's perfect farewell

Adelaide, Jan 27 (UNI) Australia's first innings centurion Michael Clarke today said his team is still optimistic about the result of the last Test at Adelaide against India and a win here would be a perfect farewell for Adam Gilchrist.

''It will be a perfect farewell for Gilly to go out with a win,'' said Clarke while speaking to Star Cricket.

''Fingers crossed and hope it goes the same as last year. It's going to be hard work but we're hoping to win the game,'' he added.

Clarke who scored a fine 118 in the first innings before falling to Ishant Sharma, is hopeful that his team can turn it around from here as Australia looks the only team to win from here.

In 2006 Ashes series, Australia won a match against England from some-what similar position and that too on the same ground.

England rattled up 550-plus, in reply Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke smashed hundreds to help Australia match it, England ended the fourth day on 59 for 1. On the fifth day Australia won the match.

Clarke said it would be difficult for India to score runs on the fifth day pitch and spinners will play a major role if Australia is to achieve a victory.

''It's going to be hard work but we're hoping to win the game.

Once the ball gets softer it will become difficult to score.

''Hopefully Hogg, Symmo and myself will come into play. I certainly know Australia wants to win. And if we bowl in the right areas we could achieve that. It's a big day tomorrow,'' he added.

However, India's Irfan Pathan said the visitors are still in with a chance and if India can post a good total on the board.

''Anything can happen on the last day,'' he said. ''We need to bat well and if we put runs on the board, you never know.

''Australia have to bat last and nobody can say what's going to happen. The pitch will spin more on the final day and so many such matches have changed at the end,'' said Pathan who claimed his 100th Test wicket today.

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