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Kirsten keen to keep going

Abdul Waheed | October 27, 2003 21:14 IST

South Africa's veteran batsman Gary Kirsten scored his 19th Test hundred on Monday and said that he was keen to keep on playing.

Kirsten, who scored 118 in the second Test against Pakistan, had planned to end his international career after the series in England last month but changed his mind. The 35-year-old has already quit one day internationals.

"I am playing it match by match. I have been thinking about retirement for the last two years, but I have enjoyed playing in this set-up and want to keep going," he told reporters.

"I think it is true that experience does help your batting. Plus I have a lot to pass on to the young guys in the team," Kirsten said.

Kirsten is the highest Test run scorer for South Africa and holds the record for the most appearances -- 95.

"I am looking at completing 100 (Tests) next year in New Zealand. Plus I also believe Test batsmen score more runs after (the age of) 35. Graham Gooch is a good example," he added.

Kirsten's century in Faisalabad was his second at the ground. He scored an unbeaten 100 helping South Africa to a 53-run win during the 1997-98 Test series.

"The last time I got a hundred it ended in a fantastic win for us. Hopefully this time also my runs will set up something special for us tomorrow," he said.

But he said that it would not be easy to bowl out Pakistan on the final day of the second Test.

"The spinners didn't get huge turn and it is not going to be easy for our bowlers," he said.

Pakistan, who lead the two-Test series 1-0, are chasing 302 runs to win after South Africa declared their second innings on 371-8.


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