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Sachin outshines teammates with brilliant innings
If
there is one person in India who can rise upto the occasion and also dampen
the spirit of thousands of people, it is batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.
Tendulkar scored his 27th test century in style and addressed
a press meet later.
Tendulkar
equaled Australian Steve Waugh and Allan Border's record of 27 test centuries
and has only to surpass Sunil Gavaskar's 34 test centuries to be the all
time best.
He
said, "Scoring a 100 is always a great feeling but today's century has
a different meaning. We had a big target today and our aim was to get
as close as possible." Sachin admitted that lack of partnership in the
Indian innings is what caused the collapse.
He
said, "Test match is not only a centurions' contribution but also valuable
partnerships like the one I had with Laxman matters. Partnerships play
a very important role in test cricket especially when there is a huge
target to chase."
Tendulkar
praised the five wicket haul by English spinner Ashley Giles, who also
claimed his valuable wicket for 103. He said, "Giles is a good bowler
with variations and he proved it today with his impressive haul by talking
wickets at regular intervals."
Regarding
the euphoric noise the crowd creates when he is on the crease, Tendulkar
said, "I know how much support I have from the crowd and appreciate it.
But sometimes it gets too loud and I try my best to keep my mind clear
and concentrate on the incoming ball."
Tendulkar
said that he was disappointed at getting out after his century but said
that it was a well-timed shot that unfortunately went straight to the
hands of the fielder.
Tendulkar
was full of praise for the English captain Nasser Hussain and said that
he knew just what he had to do on the field and that was the sign of good
captaincy. When asked if he had a specific target as to scoring number
of centuries Tendulkar replied, "That has never been my aim since I started
playing. When I am on the pitch, al I aim is to play for the country and
at least get a century. The rest will follow."
Republished from The Asian Age
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