The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : `I can't predict how I will play in the next few games'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

`I can't predict how I will play in the next few games'

MUMBAI, NOV. 9. Sachin Tendulkar, who showed flashes of brilliance in the Mumbai Test, on Monday said he `cannot predict' if he would adopt a similarly aggressive approach to batting in the matches to come.

"It all depends on various factors, the type of bowling and the field settings. I can't predict how I will play in the next few games," Tendulkar said after launching a new go-karting venue — Formula Karting — at Andheri in northwest Mumbai.

Tendulkar, who has been choosy in his shot selection in recent times, hit an attacking half-century that set up a thrilling victory for India against the Australians in the fourth Test.

Tendulkar described his third-wicket partnership with V.V.S. Laxman in the second innings as the most important one for India in the four-Test series.

"My partnership with Laxman was the most important one of the series. It was a crucial stand," Tendulkar said.

India, helped by the 91-run stand between the two, erased the 99-run first innings deficit before setting a target of 107 to the Australians. The visitor collapsed for 93 but still clinched the series 2-1.

However, Tendulkar refused to be drawn into a debate on the wicket prepared for the match on which 40 wickets fell in just over two days' play.

"It's for the captain to say," he said. He also brushed aside criticism of the wicket by Australian captain Ricky Ponting saying `that's his opinion.'

Morale booster

Tendulkar said the Mumbai Test victory should act as the morale booster for the team ahead of the coming international matches.

"We worked very hard in the Test. The victory would surely boost the morale of the team. We all went through a bad patch but every bad phase has to end. The worst is behind us. Let's look at the brighter things," he said.

Tendulkar said the team was looking forward to the Platinum Jubilee tie against Pakistan to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 13.

"It's a big game for both countries. And Kolkata is a great centre. It will be very loud with over 100,000 fans gathered inside the stadium. I hope both teams can produce good cricket," he said.

Tendulkar, who described himself as a very big fan of Formula One, predicted a bright future for motor sports in India.

"This is a growing sport in India. The younger generation follow Formula One with a lot of interest.

I wouldn't have said the same thing five years ago, but things are different now," Tendulkar said. — PTI

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