The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Match evenly poised, says Tendulkar

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Match evenly poised, says Tendulkar

Special Correspondent

Sydney: Sachin Tendulkar said his partnership of 129 with Harbhajan Singh for the eighth wicket on the third day had left the second Test evenly poised.

“I have always believed Harbhajan can bat; he probably believes it a little more than me,” said Tendulkar, prompting laughter among the journalists.

“I told him this is the best time to prove it. And he didn’t disappoint us. His innings and our partnership were extremely important.”

Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler, concurred. “I think Sachin batted beautifully with the tail. He was right in the ears of the tail, helping them along. He went and spoke with Harbhajan who then batted like a number three (batsman).”

Having bowled so much to Tendulkar, where did he place him among contemporary batsmen? “Number one,” said Lee.

Tendulkar said the decision not to shield the lower order was consequent of the fields Ricky Ponting set. “It was our strategy because just one fielder was saving one and it would have been unwise to do something rash and get out. It worked, with Ishant (Sharma) getting a very important 23.”

Confidence in the tail

India raised 187 runs for the last three wickets — indicative of Tendulkar’s skill in batting with the tail. How did the ploy affect Australia? “I think it’s good for a batsman to give his tail the strike,” said Lee.

“It builds confidence. When I’m batting number eight and the batsman is hogging the strike I’m often more nervous when I get to the other side.”

Tendulkar said it was special to start 2008 well after narrowly missing out on seven international centuries in 2007.

“My celebration was just a bit different because I wanted to move on after 2007. I was very happy because this hundred came at the right time. The support of the crowd was special, and that’s what you expect from Australian crowds. They appreciate good cricket.”

Was he nervous in the 90s? “Not really because I was preoccupied with the partnership with Harbhajan,” said Tendulkar.

“I was just thinking of that and I didn’t really see the scoreboard.”

Lee said the first session on Saturday would be crucial — perhaps the most crucial of the match.

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