The Hindu : Sport : Regardless of record we would like to win, says Hayden

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Regardless of record we would like to win, says Hayden

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: AFP

DRIVING FORCE: Matthew Hayden, displaying controlled aggression, powered Australia to a position of strength.

Sydney: The charge of racial abuse against Harbhajan Singh loomed like a dark cloud on the fourth day of the second Test, and not even Matthew Hayden equalling Sir Donald Bradman’s number of centuries could make it go away.

“We believe we have a very strong case,” said Hayden. “It’s a scenario none of us want to be in, we love the game and we hope we can move forward. I can’t really comment on it at this stage.”

Speaking about the situation of the match, he said, “We’ve given ourselves the best chance of winning. We lead by around 220, we will increase the lead to about 260 before declaring. We’ve got too many runs now. This strip has some inconsistent bounce and that could play up tomorrow (Sunday) particularly against our bowlers who bowl at 140 (kmph). It isn’t easy to come forward to them.”

Not for records

Would the thought of the record affect the timing of the declaration?

“We would desperately like to win another Test, regardless of whether the record is on the line or not. We don’t ask for records. We just go about our business day in and day out, and achieve what we achieve,” said Hayden.

Hayden’s 29th hundred, which helped him draw level with Bradman, puts him behind Ricky Ponting (33) and Steve Waugh (32) on the Australian chart.

“The Don was an incredible personality in the game, and he didn’t play anywhere near as much as we do," Hayden said.

“But it was significant when I passed his runs and when I passed his highest score. I very humbly accept these privileges and know how privileged I am to touch Bradman.”

Ganguly differs

India’s Sourav Ganguly didn’t agree that Australia had the edge, saying a full day’s play could spark any of the four results.

Asked about the charge against Harbhajan, he said, “I wasn’t even aware of it till this morning when I read the paper. We were very normal about it.”

Ganguly said Harbhajan’s response with the ball on Saturday reflected his competitive nature. What did he think of the celebrations after Ricky Ponting’s wicket? “I was hoping he didn’t run out of the ground.”

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