Fluent Tendulkar steadies innings; Kohli, Pujara too impress after openers fail

Runs and Sachin Tendulkar were like two estranged lovers meeting after a long time on a Saturday afternoon. The poetry was back, so was the grace and elegance.

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It doesn't matter if Tendulkar's knock doesn't translate into a century on Sunday - the sheer joy of watching a Tendulkar classic again made it an afternoon to remember for the 20,000-odd who braved the cruel sun to be at the ground.

After Australia folded up for 380 at the stroke of lunch, India were reduced to 11/2 in no time. James Pattinson was breathing fire, removing Virender Sehwag and M Vijay, and another wicket at that stage would have made life extremely difficult for India.

But Tendulkar did what he has done for over two decades. The first ball he faced off a rampaging Pattinson was caressed through cover for a boundary. He opened the face just a little bit for the second ball and the result was the same.

A ruffled Pattinson drifted onto the pads and a delicate leg-glance followed. The Australian skipper Michael Clarke removed Pattinson straight away and the pressure came down by a few notches.

India built on that counter-attack and by the end of the day, had reached 182-3, with Tendulkar (batting 71) and Virat Kohli (batting 50) holding fort.

The genius of Tendulkar was central to India's fightback on a crumbling pitch with variable bounce, against a quality pace bowling attack. Sachin seemed to have decided that he won't close the face of his bat against these pacers and looked to play everything as close to his body as possible.

As he looked completely under control at one end, Cheteshwar Pujara too played his part.

The Saurashtra man, batting at No. 3 waited for the ball to come to him and looked to find the gaps. Even as Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle looked to attack, there wasn't a dry period when the runs were choked.

Tendulkar seemed to relax just a bit and tried a paddled sweep off the first ball he faced off off-spinner Nathan Lyon and the ball struck his pad low down. There was a vociferous appeal, but the umpire turned it down, much to the relief of the fans and Tendulkar himself.

The Pujara-Tendulkar partnership was broken after tea when Pattinson was brought back for his second spell. The ball came back just a little bit and Pujara (44) played down the wrong line, to be bowled through the gate.

At this stage, one would have expected Pattinson to bowl a longer spell, but Clarke once again took him away from the attack after three overs. The skipper probably has Pattinson's fitness issues in mind and he wants to use him short bursts so that he doesn't break down along the course of the series.

Kohli, who came in at Pujara's dismissal, seemed determined to buckle in and grind. But the natural aggressive streak in him forced the Delhi boy to go for his shots when the opportunity arose and he took the pressure off Tendulkar.

However, India are still 198 short of Australia's target, and skipper Clarke, who eventually scored 130, deserves all the credit for guiding the visitors to 380.

If players like Sachin Tendulkar retire, Test cricket will die: Arjuna Ranatunga

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga feels Test cricket would "die" if players like Sachin Tendulkar call it quits.

"If players like him (Tendulkar) don't play the longer version of the game, Test cricket will die. I pray to God he continues to play Test cricket. I was very happy to know he has retried from ODIs. For me Test is education and the shorter versions are entertainment," Ranatunga told PTI.

Ranatunga, who guided Sri Lanka to their first and only World Cup title in 1996, said Tendulkar still has a lot of cricket left in him.

Asked whether Sachin was on a comeback trail after scoring two centuries in domestic matches, Ranatunga said the Mumbaikar, despite being 39, is a much better player than some of the younger Indians.

"If he plays one good knock, I am sure he will play two-three years more without a problem," he said.

On to issues facing international cricket and Ranatunga came down heavily on the ICC, calling the sport's world governing body "toothless".

Instead of blaming the BCCI for the non-implementation of the controversial Decision Review System to avoid umpiring mistakes, Ranatunga turned his ire on the ICC.

"I am not blaming BCCI, but blaming ICC for not making DRS compulsory. They should not allow home countries to take decisions on the matter," he said on the sidelines of Sri Lanka Tourism promotion event here.

"They (the ICC) shout, but hardly bite. I have always said that they haven't changed. ICC should protect the game not individual countries on the DRS issue," he suggested.

Ranatunga said even if the Indian Board pushes the ICC into a corner, it should have the spine to take bold decisions and make it mandatory for all nations to use DRS.

"This system is the best thing that has happened to cricket in the last 20 years and I feel DRS should be adopted by all countries. We would have been better batsmen, bowlers and fielders if the DRS was there in our time," Ranatunga opined.

Ranatunga said Twenty20 has ruined cricket as it does not create technically sound players such as Sunil Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Gundappa Vishwanath, Mohammad Azharuddin or Dilip Vengsarkar.

"They are more concerned about playing the shorter version of the game, earning money, not playing for the country," he said.

"I still remember it was a great concern for us to get India out because they had quality batsmen like Rahul Dravid, Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. Within four days we couldn't get them out.

"But now, we get to see a side folding up before lunch as it lacks technique. They are interested in hitting the ball rather than concentrating on technique," he argued.

On chances of India winning the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia, Ranatunga said the hosts' prospects are decent as the touring side is weak.

"Without technique you cannot survive in Test cricket. India have very good hitters but they need to concentrate on technique," he said.

"Technique of first six Indian top batsmen, barring few, is abysmal. Australia, on the other hand, is an inexperienced side," he said.

Asked about Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy, Ranatunga said nobody should comment on his leadership because he is the only Indian who has won two World Cups.

Sachin Tendulkar's sign of greatness is his longevity: Michael Clarke

As much as he "enjoys" Sachin Tendulkar's batting, Australian captain Michael Clarke's primary endeavour during the upcoming four-match Test series against India will be to stop the veteran from scoring "too many runs".

"You can have as many plans as possible forSachin Tendulkar but he is a great player. He is the greatest I have seen and I have always loved playing against him. His sign of greatness is his longevity and consistency," Clarke said.

"I was walking on the treadmill and watching his 100 in the Irani Cup game. I enjoy his batting but as an Australian captain, I would like to ensure that he doesn't score too many runs," Clarke told 'Times Now' channel.

While the Aussie captain is happy that his team won't be bowling to the greats like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, who have tormented them in the past, he feels that the younger Indian players would like to stamp their authority on the series.

"It's nice for us that a lot of greats like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxmanhave retired. It's good that our bowlers don't need to bowl to them but the new players will like to stamp their authority on the game."

Clarke also cleverly avoided the questions about pressure on India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni after a series of disappointing results in Test matches as well as his form in the longer version of the game.

"Neither do I look too much into past nor do I look too far ahead. I am not sure whether MS or the Indian team will be giving up too easily but my focus is on Australian team and we are ready," he said.

Questioned if they have taken a cue from India's home series against England, Clarke said, "Lot of our guys watched the series but we know how good a team India is.

Any team having Sachin Tendulkar will be a team to beat in their own country. But I have learnt one thing about playing in sub-continent. Whether you are No 1 bowler or debutant patience and consistency will be key to success," he said.

Clarke agreed that Australia's success in the Test series against India will depend largely on "how we play spin as well as how we bowl spin."

"They have Ashwin, Ojha, Jadeja and I know that Harbhajan is back in the side. They have a lot of talent. We have been tracking Ashwin closely as he has done well with both bat and ball."

The skipper also didn't agree that his spin trio of Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell are inferior than Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar of England.

"I am really excited that we have got spinners like Lyon, Doherty and Maxwell. They can certainly perform well in these conditions."

However he did agree that his team's strength is the pace department led by Peter Siddle.

"Definitely, our fast bowling stocks are very strong. Peter Siddle has shown how to transform talent into performance. Our fast bowlers have really shown lot of heart and character. They have a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for them.

"I can throw the ball at them at any time and expect wickets. For me it doesn't matter, whether Matthew Wade bowls but all I need is 20 wickets. The Australian team comes above everything else."

For Clarke, his own performance is of little relevance as long as his team is able to win the series.

"As a leader, I expect to do well and lead by example. You want to perform and be at your best. But then, the team comes first. I am ready to settle for four ducks in four Tests if Australia happen to win the series."

More than quality of batsmanship, Clarke feels that Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey's absence will be felt while trying to "mentor" the junior players.

"Off the field, I would be needed more to help the youngsters during the training sessions."

For Clarke, an India-Australia series is about "passion and intensity" and he believes that as long as he and Dhoni can ensure that they "draw a line", it's fine.

"For me, this series is as important as the Ashes as well as playing against No 1 Test team South Africa."

A veteran of 89 Tests, who is just 11 short of completing 7000 runs, Clarke emphatically stated that he has "never played the sport for money" when he was asked whether he got a raw deal after fetching only $400,000 at the IPL auctions.

"Throughout my entire career, it has never been about playing for money. Had it been so, I would have never skipped earlier editions of IPL. I didn't play as my body didn't permit. I have always been a huge supporter of IPL but right now, my focus is on the Test series."

Indian fast bowling coach Dawes says Tendulkar still ‘god’ among teammates

India’s fast bowling coach Joe Dawes has described cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as still having a god-like status among his teammates and cricket fans.

The former Australian cricketer, who has been a constant companion to Tendulkar for the past nine months, said that Tendulkar’s teammates copied his every little gesture, even carrying their bats with them on the team bus like the Little Master.

Dawes joked that this attitude reached the point when he had to tell the tail-end batsmen they are never going to survive as international batsmen unless they bring their bat on the bus.
Following rumours that the upcoming four-test series against Australia will be Tendulkar’s swansong, Dawes said that Tendulkar would probably be feeling the pressure, but it has not decreased his work ethic.

Dawes also said that despite Tendulkar’s age, the Little Master still pays great attention to detail and an eye for perfection, which was evident during his practice sessions.

The bowling coach added that Tendulkar’s presence in the dressing room gives a boost to his teammates’ spirits.

Tendulkar, 39, has not hit a Test century for more than two years going into the four-Test home series against Australia.

RoI take lead despite Tendulkar`s 81st first-class ton

Sachin Tendulkar tuned up brilliantly for the upcoming Test series against Australia by hitting a record equalling 81st first-class century but couldn`t prevent Mumbai from conceding first-innings lead to Rest of India on the third day of the Irani Cup match here today.

Tendulkar looked in fantastic touch as he hit a sparkling unbeaten knock of 140 off 197 balls as he touched Sunil Gavaskar`s Indian record of 81 first-class hundreds. In the process, the 39-year-old also completed 25,000 runs in first-class cricket.

However, Tendulkar ran out of partners as Mumbai were all out for 409 thereby conceding a sizeable first innings lead of 117 runs. In the second essay, Rest of India were 27 for one at stumps which enhanced their lead to 144 runs and they have nine wickets in hand.

Nightwatchman S Sreesanth batting on seven is giving company to Murali Vijay, who is undefeated on 18. Opener Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed for a duck.

The day belonged to Tendulkar, who send a strong message to the Australian team about his intent, as he struck 18 boundaries and two sixes during his five hour and 43 minutes of stay at the crease. He played some shots around the wicket and none of the Rest of India bowlers barring S Sreesanth, who dug a few short ones could ask any probing questions.

Having arrived at the crease in the second over of the day, Tendulkar was hardly troubled by the Rest of India bowlers and his most productive partnership was with Ankeet Chavan (49) that yielded 103 runs for the seventh wicket.

Tendulkar also added 73 runs with the talented Ajinkya Rahane, who missed out on a deserving century as he was trapped leg before by Harbhajan Singh. The senior offie was the most successful bowler for the Rest of India grabbing three for 64 from 21 overs as he also dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck.

Tendulkar warmed the cockles of the good turn-out at the Wankhede Stadium by batting right till the end of the Mumbai innings after coming to the crease in the second over itself at the fall of night watchman Shardul Thakur's wicket.

Watchful in the beginning against the swinging ball and the short-pitched stuff dished out by Sreesanth, Tendulkar opened out later with a string of exquisite drives, mostly through the off-side cordon and straight, for fours to reach the landmark 100 in 139 balls with 12 fours and a six each off spinners Harbhajan and Pragyan Ojha.

It was also Tendulkar's second ton in the annual Irani Cup game. His earlier one made in 1989 for Mumbai against the Rest of India, which clinched him a place in Krish Srikkanth-led squad for his maiden tour to Pakistan.

Starting with a splendid front-foot extra cover drive off Pandey to the second ball he faced, Tendulkar looked absolutely in command till the end of the innings.

Tendulkar and Rahane were cruising along merrily before Harbhajan broke their fourth wicket stand by trapping the latter leg-before when the batsman tried to sweep.

Replays suggested that the ball hit the bat but umpire Subrat Das upheld the appeal.

In the course of his 479th innings in first class cricket, Tendulkar also reached another big milestone of compiling 25,000 runs in the first class game, including 15,645 runs in 194 Tests. He needed 104 runs in his 479th innings in first-class cricket for reaching the second landmark.

Gavaskar had notched up 81 first-class hundreds between 1971 and 1987, which included 34 Test centuries.

The biggest culprit for Mumbai was Rohit Sharma, who tried an ugly heave over mid-wicket and left without scoring in 12 balls and 21 minutes. Captain Abhishek Nayar couldn't translate his Ranji Trophy form as he edged one from Abhimanyu Mithun to slip cordon.

While Harbhajan dismissed Rahane and Rohit in quick succession to strengthen his claim for off-spinner's slot, left-arm spinner Pargyan Ojha, who is certainty, was unimpressive as he went over 100 runs for his two wickets.

Sreesanth, who tested Tendulkar with short-pitched balls, got one wicket while his pace partners Mithun and Ishwar Pandey grabbed a couple apiece.

Rohit came to the crease, saw Tendulkar reach his 50 with a four and then threw away his wicket with 15 minutes to lunch by trying to slog Harbhajan over mid wicket from wide of stumps, only managing to give a catch to Ojha at mid wicket.

Mumbai, 255 for 5 at lunch after adding 100 runs in 30 overs, lost Nayar who departed soon after the break and were in trouble at 251 for 6 when Chavan joined Tendulkar and rescued the innings from disarray.

The duo remained together till the tea interval when Mumbai were 350 for 6. Chavan left soon after resumption edging Mithun behind the wicket to Saha to end the seventh wicket stand after it had lasted for 134 minutes and 157 balls. The batsman hit 8 fours in 89 balls.

Tendulkar continued to play his shots diligently even as the wickets fell at the other end to remain unconquered at the end.

Sachin Tendulkar's retirement was taken over last 72 hours: Sources

Sachin Tendulkar's decision to retire from ODIs was taken over the "last 72 hours," though he formally informed the BCCI only last night.

According to sources close to the cricketer, BCCI president N Srinivasan was informed only last night.

"Once he was back in Mumbai after the Nagpur Test, he switched off his phone and became incommunicado for at least three days. The only possible way to contact him was through Anjali's (wife) number as he wanted some time to himself," a very close friend of Tendulkar said.



Sachin Tendulkar's elder brother Ajit has been his biggest support ever since he started playing cricket.

"By Friday night, he had intimated his family and close friends that he wants to quit ODIs. Accordingly, he informed BCCI president N Srinivasan last night about his decision, making it clear that he doesn't want to play against Pakistan," the source added.

There are strong indications that Tendulkar would start his preparations for the four-match Test series against Australia by playing in Mumbai's final Ranji Trophy league game against Gujarat, in Mumbai from December 29-January 1.

Asked about retirement from Tests, the source added, "Any decision on that will only be taken after his performance against Australia. The four-Test series will make it 198 Tests for Sachin and if he does well, he might just think of going to South Africa to complete 200 Tests."



Sachin Tendulkar with his wife Anjali and children during a family vacation.


Earlier, BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale said, "It was not sudden. He informed us before the selection about his decision. He spoke to me and the president about his decision."

BCCI chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty added, "What he has expressed is his concern that India has to prepare for the next World Cup. From that point of view, he felt that it was time that he retired."

Sachin Tendulkar set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 6

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar is likely to return as the Mumbai Indians captain for the sixth edition of the IPL commencing on April 3.

According to IPL sources, Tendulkar will take over from Harbhajan Singh as the captain of the side, which effectively would mean the end of Michael Clarke's chances to lead one of the most popular franchises.

Tendulkar, who has been the leader and the face of Mumbai Indians for all the five editions relinquished the role last season as he wanted to concentrate on his batting.

Harbhajan Singh had first captained the side successfully in the Champions League T20 but couldn't take MI to their elusive IPL triumph.


Tendulkar, who missed the first seven games of IPL's inaugural edition due to injury, was at Mumbai Indians' helm since its inception.
In IPL 2012, under Harbhajan, Mumbai Indians made it to the knockouts where they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the Eliminator.
There were a lot of speculations about Clarke taking over the mantle of captaincy as the team didn't have a leader of repute but once Tendulkar agreed to don the role put to rest all the speculations regarding any chances that Clarke had whatsoever.
Tendulkar, who had recently retired from the ODIs, would ideally like to win the IPL Trophy having achieved almost all the other major milestones including World Cup, No 1 ranking in Test matches and 100 international hundreds.