Man of the Match performance in Perth Test 2008

Australia and India came into this Perth Test after the drama of Sydney Cricket Ground and the monekygate. The series was a pressure cooker situation throughout, given the poor level of umpiring and blatant unsportsmanlike conduct from the Australian players, Indian skipper Anil Kumble had famously said that there was only one team that played with the spirit of the game.

Australia had called in pace demon Shaun Tait for this Test match in Perth, while India was charged up to show the home side their mettle. India batted first and scored 330 with Tendulkar making 71 and Pathan contributing 28 runs. In reply, RP Singh picked 4/68 and Pathan took 2/63, as Australia capitulated for 212 runs.

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In the second do, Irfan Pathan was promoted to no.3 position and slammed 46 runs with 6 fours as India made 294 and set Australia 413 to win. This Test was going to be Irfan Pathan’s as he removed opener, Phil Jacques, for 16 and Rogers for 15, jolting the Aussies top-order. While RP Singh, Anil Kumble, and Sehwag picked two wickets each in the middle order, Pathan returned to remove a defiant Stuart Clark, who had made 32 and helped India register an emotional and historic win at Perth.

Irfan Pathan was named the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.