Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, has spoken up about an incident in which he removed his tongue after taking a wicket in the historic 2008 Test match in Perth against Australia. According to the 40-year-old, it was a response to the Australian audience’s mocking remark that he was “smelling like Indian curry.”
India skipper Anil Kumble was the mastermind behind India who having won the toss in the 2008 Perth Test opted to bat first in Australia. They posted 330 on board with Rahul Dravid top-scoring with 93 scored and Sachin Tendulkar 71. Irfan who batted at No.8 contributed 28 runs off 44 deliveries.
In an interview with “The Lallantop,” Irfan talked about how the Australian audience made some hurtful remarks about him during the 2008 Perth Test and how he responded. According to the 40-year-old:
“When I was fielding at the boundary line, they targeted me by saying things like, ‘You have eaten Indian curry, you’re smelling like Indian curry.’ The Australian crowd try to get under your skin. I didn’t change my field position and instead gave them replies.
“When I took a wicket, I took my tongue out to indicate that my tongue is very clean and there’s no smell. So, that celebration was for the crowd,” Irfan went on to add.
India prevailed by 72 runs in the Perth Test. Despite half-centuries from Mitchell Johnson (50*) and Michael Clarke (81) Australia were all out for 340 in 86.5 overs while chasing a difficult score of 413.
Irfan Pathan’s All-Round Brilliance in India’s Historic 2008 Perth Test Win
India skipper Anil Kumble was the mastermind behind India who having won the toss in the 2008 Perth Test opted to bat first in Australia. They posted 330 on board with Rahul Dravid top-scoring with 93 scored and Sachin Tendulkar 71. Irfan who batted at No.8 contributed 28 runs off 44 deliveries.
India outscored Australia for 212 in 50 overs thanks to their impressive ball skills. Irfan, Kumble, and Ishant Sharma each contributed two scalps, while RP Singh took four. Irfan gave the visitors a strong start by cheaply dismissing Phil Jaques and opener Chris Rogers.
India scored 294 runs in their second innings. VVS Laxman top-scored with 79, while Irfan, who was promoted to No. 3, struck 46 off 64 balls. In the second innings, Irfan removed the Australian openers once more and also claimed the wicket of Stuart Clark (32) as India achieved a historic victory.
