The Hindu : Sport : Time for a big one from Tendulkar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 24, 2006
ePaper

Sport

Sport

Time for a big one from Tendulkar

S. Dinakar

The maestro's inputs to the team on this campaign have been immense

IN DEEP THOUGHT: Sachin Tendulkar was in good touch in the first Test and will be hoping that he can make a worthy contribution to the team's cause in the second Test. — Photo: AFP

Durban: There is grass on the surface at Kingsmead. The pitch will assist seam movement. And the atmosphere in the port city should encourage swing.

The second Test will be a huge game with major ramifications. India requires a big contribution from Sachin Tendulkar and the signs are good.

Actually, when he made that fluent 44 on the first day at the Wanderers, Tendulkar had registered his highest score in 11 completed Test innings after his world record 35th Test hundred against Sri Lanka in New Delhi.

But then, his batsmanship on the critical opening day of the first Test soothed the senses. It was not the effort of a man searching for form.

Excellent footwork

During that innings, on a pitch providing lateral movement to the pacemen, Tendulkar's footwork was precise. He looked comfortable against Makhaya Ntini's speed and his cover-drives were enchanting as the ball screamed to the fence from the sweet portion of his willow.

It's remarkable that after 17 years in international cricket, his eyes retain the sparkle. Despite the huge physical and mental demands made on his body, he is still hungry for success. Tendulkar wears the enormous pressure of expectations lightly.

The maestro, though, requires a big knock. A 36th Test hundred at Kingsmead would give the Indian bid for a historic triumph a fillip.

Another Indian batting legend, Sunil Gavaskar, told Tendulkar during an awards night in Johannesburg ahead of the first Test, "Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting are breathing down your neck. You have to put your record beyond their reach."

A classic situation

Gavaskar knows, so does Tendulkar, that cricket is not about individual glory. Tendulkar takes great pride in being a team-man. However, this is a classic situation when a worthy personal contribution from him is intertwined with the team's fortunes.

India had a nightmare under lights in the second one-dayer at Kingsmead. Andre Nel and Jacques Kallis, with their lift from just short of a good length, proved too hot for most of the batsmen to handle.

But, Tendulkar's 35 on a night of capitulation was made with the ease and skill of a man familiar with the bowling and the conditions. His innings bore the stamp of class, although he did not stay long enough to help India's cause.

Problems with shuffle

He, subsequently, had problems with his initial shuffle during the ODI series. Tendulkar did seem vulnerable against the incoming ball and there were occasions when he was being opened up by the delivery leaving him.

While he was not in the best of touches towards the conclusion of the one-day series, his determination did not surprise those who knew him. In this context, Tendulkar's 97-ball 55 — he was given a torrid time by Ntini — in the fifth ODI at Centurion reflected his eagerness to make a difference.

South Africa has not been the best of venues for the master batsman with 10527 runs in 133 Tests at 55.11. He averages a spectacular 55.00 in Tests on foreign soil, but only 40.82 from ten Tests in South Africa.

However, as coach Greg Chappell often points out, Tendulkar's contribution cannot be measured in runs alone. The maestro's inputs to the team on this campaign have been immense.

He has a cricketing mind that ticks and his views carry weight. Tendulkar has chipped in with the ball for the side, even during the nets. And he has been sharp in the slips.

There would, perhaps, be no better opportunity for him to notch up his 36th Test hundred, than in the match beginning on December 26.

Tendulkar knows all about the big stage. This has been a relatively quiet tour for him. He could explode at Kingsmead.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport