Sachin Tendulkar - the talk of the town with 42 centuries

by A. C. de Silva

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's cricket fans were honoured and privileged in December 2007 to have witnessed Sri Lanka's own Muttiah Muralitharan becoming the highest wicket-taker in Test match history. Then in our neighbouring country - Sachin Tendulkar - affectionately known as the "Little Master" passed West Indian Brian Lara as the highest run-scorer in Test match history and also clinched the highest number of centuries.

Of the cricketers of the past, there was mercurial batsman - Sir Donald Bradman who was unquestionably the Best Batsman the world had seen - he had 29 Test centuries to his credit, then another batsman who was loved much and admired by cricket fans in Sri Lanka - Sunil Manohar Gavaskar - the great Indian batsman of the past who had grasped 32 Test hundreds .

So, Sachin Tendulkar has been and will be the talk of the town for many years to come as he is still young and looks capable of going further ahead.

Right now, former Indian skipper Sachin Tendulkar heads the century achievers with 42 to his credit, having played 159 Tests. He has also scored 53 half-centuries and he had somewhat been in the hitting mood, making 51 sixes. Altogether Sachin has made 12,773 runs from 261 innings with 27 not outs. His highest score 248 not out and his average 54.58. On the field, he has held 102 catches.

There have been many cricketers of international repute who have figured prominently in Test cricket and have become very familiar with followers of cricket. However, these two cricketers - that's Sunil Gavaskar and Sir Donald Bradman held the stage when they were actively involved in the game during different times.

Sri Lanka's cricket fans had the privilege of seeing the two perform. They were, without a doubt, a fine opportunity for the local followers of the game.

The contribution of these two batsmen for cricket has been duly recognised by the international community and they have been inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame for their great service towards the game.

There are 55 all-time greats that have been got together for the Centenary Celebrations of the International Cricket Council. Most of the cricketers have gone on to their eternal rest, but the honour bestowed on them by the governing body is what matters.

The late Sir Donald Bradman got to that-eye-catching figure of 29 Test centuries early, but Gavaskar got to those 29 centuries in a methodical manner.

At 1.41 p.m. on a Saturday - that's October 29 in 1983, Sunil Gavaskar got his 29th Test century and now he has gone on to five more centuries and has a total of 34.Gavaskar has played in 125 Tests had 214 innings, 16 times not out, scored 10,122 runs with 236 not out as his highest for an average 51.22. Besides his centuries, Gavaskar has made 45 half centuries and in his batting turns he has hit 26 sixes and held 108 catches.

Bradman played here

Sri Lanka cricket fans of the vintage era and the players too had a glimpse of the great Sir Donald Bradman when the Aussie team led by Bradman played a `whistle-stop' match against a Sri Lanka cricket eleven on March 27th 1948 at the Saravanamuttu Stadium.

The Australian side included Morris, Barnes, Miller, Hassett, Harvey, Tallon, Lindwall, Bill Brown.Ceylon, as the country was then known, was captained by the late M. Sathasivan while the late F. C. de Saram, late Sathi Coomaraswamy, S. Nagendra, Mahes Rodrigo, Ben Navaratne, A. J. D. N. Selvadurai were some members of the local team.Bradman's XI batted first and made 184 for 7 wickets and then declared, with Don Bradman making 20, Barnes retiring when he was 49 and Miller made 46.

The local team could not bat for long as the rain come down and Lankan squad made 46 for 2 wickets with Sathasivam making 26.On getting to the record, Gavaskar said that he was pleased to have reached another milestone in his Career. "I have equalled the 30 year-old record of the legendary Don Bradman", but being the great sportsman, that he is, Gavaskar said: "but don't compare me with Donald Bradman. He is really a student of the game". On that occasion, Gavaskar further said: "Records are incidental. The main thing is to go out there and fight for the country".

Tendulkar's five great centuries

India's great batsman Sachin Tendulkar has played many fine innings during his century knocks.

Five of his fine centuries were: 119 not out against England at Old Trafford in 1990. Tendulkar as a 17 year-old playing in foreign conditions played a gem of an-innings.

Tendulkar's batting that day helped India who were 127 for 5 on the final day.

Tendulkar a batsman who had courage, batted four hours with the `tail' to guide his side to safety. Tendulkar's century confirmed the arrival of special talent.

Second Century - 114 vs Australia at Perth in 1992. The WACA ground in Perth was a lethal wicket. However Tendulkar's 114 brought Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes to their knees. With wickets tumbling at the other end, Tendulkar, still only 19, met the challenge head on.

The Australian public came to love him ever since.

Third Century - 169 vs South Africa at cope Town in 1997.

Another epic Counter-attack in hostile conditions. South Africa made 525 in the first innings - then their stellar seam attach reduced India to 58 for 5.

Tendulkar approaching his peak wasted no time taking the fight back to the Proteas. In partnership with Mohammad Azharuddin, Tendulkar hit 26 boundaries in his knock of 169 - almost all of them absolute crackers.

Fourth Century - 155 not out vs Australia at Chennai 1998.

Many of Tendulkar's finest innings were played outside India, or in a losing cause. But his greatest-series came at home, against the then world's best team - Australia and ended in a glorious victory for India.

With Shane Warne bowling round the wicket and into the rough, Tendulkar used his eye, his feet and his innovative strokeplay to destroy the greatest slow bowler in history at that time. Warne named Tendulkar as No. 1 in his list of 50 greatest cricketers after this knock of 155 not out in Chennai.

Fifth century - 136 versus Pakistan in Chennai 1999.

India were set an unlikely 271 for victory when they collapsed to 82 for 5 wickets. Tendulkar, hampered by a back injury, however, stood firm and refused to accept defeat. He made that 136 before falling to Saqlain Mushtaq. Tendulkar's wicket prompted an Indian collapse, and another super-human effort ultimately ended in defeat.

Memorable record

Sachin Tendulkar has had a memorable record against Sri Lanka, having belted the Lankan bowlers to the tune of 7 Test centuries in 16 Test matches and his average is 69 runs per innings. His record is somewhat awesome when playing in Sri Lanka where he averaged a phenomenal 112 runs per innings at a certain time.The great Indian batsman Tendulkar had a memorable day when he got the opportunity of meeting Sir Donald Bradman for full hour.The meeting place was Sir Donald Bradman's residence in Kensington, Adelaide.

One question that the Don asked Tendulkar: "Do you move before ball leaves the bowler's hand?"

To which the young Tendulkar very modestly replied: "I don't know". With a glint in his eyes. Sir Donald tapped Tendulkar's shoulder and said: "I think you do. You begin your movement before the bowler bowls, otherwise you wouldn't have the time to play the kind of shots you do".

Talking about the good batsmen at that time, Sir Donald thought that Sachin Tendulkar was the best batsman around at that moment. According to the Don, Tendulkar's technique was perfect. Lara, the Don thought, took more risks.