Another milestone from Sachin

S.T. Arasu

Indeed, as a Cricket fan, I was so thrilled, delighted and proud, that our Asian and India's batting maestro (Little-Big-Man-Master) and legend, - Sachin Tendulkar, at his age of 35, created another shining milestone, in the history of World Test Cricket, surpassed West Indian legend and perfect, stylish batsman, - Brian Lara's World Test record of massive tally 11,953 runs, (Sachin's 12,000 runs in the game process), in his 152 Tests played so far, to become the highest run-getter, in Tests history of World Cricket played on the opening Day of the Second Test encounter, between Australia and India, in Punjab Cricket Association Stadium (India), on Friday, October 17, 2008.

Moreover, Sachin has already achieved his other fantastic World Record of 39 centuries in Test Matches as well! He is simply a great sensational accomplished cricketer, to be reckoned and warmly accepted by all!

Meanwhile, I would like to repeat here, the very words, or lines of excerpts, from my own contribution (article) on Sachin published - that appeared under the "Grandstand" column of the "Cricket World" (Sports Monthly Indian magazine) of November, 1998, - (When this lad was just 25 years of age and played 61 Tests, then)! That absolutely stood perfect and a evergreen!

Please do accept! "Much had been said and written about this gifted and talented cricketer, who is the closest to the legend, Sir Don Bradman of Australia, and certainly, has the full right to be the best Indian batsman of all time, in view of the splendid performances and fine records that have been shattered by Sachin, in recent times! He is polished, graceful batsman of high calibre!"

"This lad, pleasant looking Sachin is short with compact frame of body, but not so slim, His nimble feet and spring form of legs, absolutely, help him in attacking the reputed bowlers, - fast, slow, or spin that matters, and his style of batsmanship is really, praiseworthy. Most of all, his sharp eye-sight is the real strength, as he sights the ball much quicker, that most accomplished world-class batsman, and even it is said that he, like the great Don Bradman, is always in the right positions for his strokes on any ball bowled at him.

He derives all his power, with wrist work in his masterly strokes from well poised, co-ordinated body, position and always strokes the balls with perfect timing (with his favourable heavy bat), for the ball to race to the boundary ropes, or sometimes, over the ropes too. His grip is unorthodox and punches the ball, with systematic swing of his bat, leaving the fielders, helpless, stranded, with utter disappointment. Runs just flow from his bat quickly, and steadily!"

"Sachin never fails to co-operate with his skipper and team-mates, under any circumstances, - always disciplined, obedient, humble and bristling with team spirit. Above all, Sachin is a patriot and self-sacrifices anything for the sake of bringing fame, name, and glory to India, by playing the gentlemanly game of cricket, in the right, appropriate manner!"

"Let me quote here, the following celebrated lines as a fitting tribute, to great Sachin, who possesses the combination of all the sterling qualities of a true, perfect, gentleman cricketer:-

"No game holds up such mirror to character, as cricket." - E.W. Swanton "Of all sports, cricket is the finest character builder." - Sir Don Bradman - (published)"

"Good Luck, Sachin" Cricket World (India) - November, 1998