The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Tendulkar already on the job

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Friday, Dec 30, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

Tendulkar already on the job

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar has already begun to apply his mind to the tour of Pakistan, that's likely to be more exacting than ever before.

At a function organised on Wednesday by MRF to felicitate the Asian Pacific Rally Championship winners, Tendulkar said he's been practising, facing fast balls coming of a `bowling machine' in order to determine his reaction time and speed of footwork.

Predictions have come thick and fast about the impending skirmishes between the Indian batsmen and the Pakistan attack spearheaded by Shoaib Akhtar.

So far so good

Agreeing to an all-pervasive belief that Pakistan is better prepared this time around because of its excellent performances against England, Tendulkar said: "Pakistan has the momentum. We have also played well in the home series against Sri Lanka and South Africa. International cricket is always challenging and the same goes with Pakistan. It would be a special series the outcome of which will be extremely important for both teams.''

"Touch wood, everything has gone well so far,'' and "it's not in my pocket'', he said replying to questions on his post-elbow-injury cricket and his wish list for 2006.

Reacting to Imran Khan's remark that India will find the Pakistan winter harsh, Tendulkar revealed that while playing for Yorkshire he had to wear three sweaters to keep his body warm and hence he's used to the cold conditions.

"Winter or summer, we have to play good cricket and compete against Pakistan. Our fast bowlers did well there during the last tour.''

Tendulkar said one tour game is good and the Indians will get a feel of the Kookaburra balls that would be used in Pakistan. "We are in the middle of the cricket season and I think one tour game is good.''

The champion batsman who recently made the world record 35th Test century against Sri Lanka said: "My patience was tested this year on and off the field, but thanks to many well wishers, I was able to face the difficult times.''

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