Tendulkar still hungry

After 50 Test centuries:

When Sachin Tendulkar started his Test career 21 years ago he was a wide-eyed 16-year-old who had to face up to a world-class Pakistan bowling line-up which included Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Abdul Qadir and a young Waqar Younis.

He made two half-centuries for India in the four-match series and a star was born.

“It was challenging. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and learned a lot,” he said.

Challenge

On Sunday, Tendulkar rose to yet another challenge as he tamed the two fast bowlers currently rated as the best new-ball pair in the world, South Africa’s Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who were aged six and five when Tendulkar first showed that he had the skill and determination to succeed at cricket’s highest level.

His innings of 107 not out on the fourth day of the first Test at SuperSport Park was a typically masterly effort, which restored Indian pride after the touring side had been outclassed in the first innings. It also made him the first player in the history of the game to hit 50 centuries in Test matches. No other batsman has scored more than 39. Tendulkar, 37, dedicated the innings to his late father, Ramesh.

Birthday

“It was his birthday yesterday so I dedicate it to him. The first thing I thought of (on reaching the century) was him.” The Indian batting maestro said he was happy but not ecstatic.

Asked whether it was especially satisfying to have scored a landmark century when his country really needed him, Tendulkar gave an indication of his philosophy.

“If I go out and the score is 200 for two it’s not as if it doesn’t matter.

AFP