Australia would do everything on Monday to win the final Test against India as a tribute to its retiring hero Adam Gilchrist, said centurion Michael Clarke.
- Tributes flow in for retiring Gilchrist
With just one day left, it would require an extraordinary effort to force a result in the match but Clarke said the side would do everything to win it for the outgoing wicketkeeper.
"I think it's an ammunition for Gilly to go out with a win. He's been an amazing part of the Australian team and we would like to win this last Test for him," said Clarke who struck 118 and forged a record 210-run fourth wicket stand with his skipper Ricky Ponting, also a centurion.
Clarke's comments on Gilchrist were indicative of the respect in which the retiring wicketkeeper-batsman is held within the Australian team.
"Obviously it's a huge loss. The standing ovation which the crowd did for Gilly showed how much he is loved; how much he has helped change the game of cricket.
"He is a fantastic player and deserves all the respect he is getting now," he said.
Clarke also did not rule out Gilchrist batting again on Monday.
"Maybe we can quickly bowl out India tomorrow and he might get another chance to do well with the bat," he said.
The batsman believed it would be tough for India to score runs on the last day as once the ball gets soft, this being a slow wicket, the run-making is not that easy.
"We have to bowl really, really well. Once the ball gets soft, it becomes really difficult to score runs. It could probably reverse swing as well.
"We definitely, if we can hold our chances, believe an opportunity exists to win this Test," he said.
Australia scored only 241 runs on Sunday, but unlike his partner Matthew Hayden, Clarke didn't feel that Indians bowled a negative line.
"As I said, once it becomes soft it becomes difficult to score. Spinners were trying to bowl in the rough to take advantage of the inconsistent bounce.
"As far as I'm concerned, they bowled fine," he said.
