Introduction
Sachin Tendulkar a legendary and great Indian batsman was born on 24th April 1973 in the suburb of Mumbai city. His father's name is Ramesh Tendulkar. His father was a great Marathi novelist and dramatist. He was inspired by his elder brother Ajit. He is one of the greatest batsmen in the world.
He has a very unique style of playing. People compare him with all time great Australian batsmen Sir Donald Bradman. He is known as 'Little Master", "Master blaster" in the cricket world. Sachin learned his first cricket lessons from his guru 'Ramakant Achrekar'. Now even though he is great cricketer he always respects his guru and acknowledges his contribution in their cricket life.
Career in Cricket
Sachin played his first international knock against Pakistan. He made debut against Pakistan in the year 1989 in tests as well as odi's. He made his first century against England in 1990. On that time he was sixteen years old. He was the youngest batsman in the Indian team.
Sachin Tendulkar breaks the record of Lara of 28th oct 2008 while playing against the Australians. He surpassed Lara's record of 11953 runs. He also completed his 40th century.
Statistics
Sachin played 256 innings in test cricket. He has remained not out for 27 times in his Aggregate score of 12429 runs. His average score was 54.27. His highest score was 248. He has 51 half centuries to his name. He has completed 41 centuries and double century by 4 times.
As the member of the Indian squad he is a perfect all-rounder who has showed his skills in all the three departments of batting, bowling and fielding. Till the date he has bowled 646 over's. He has given 2227 runs and has taken 42 wickets. His average is 53.02. He has also done remarkable job in fielding. He has taken a recording feat of 100 and more catches He has also captained the Indian side for 25 innings under his leadership team has won 4 matches and lost 9 matches.
Sachin has the record of playing 419 odi's. In the tests he has played total 409 innings and he has been not out 38 times. He aggregated a score of 16422. His average was 44.26. His highest score was 186. He completed half centuries for 90 times while holds record of centuries for 42 times. His scoring rate was 85.46. He also contributed the side by bowling 1224 over's. His average is 43.98. He also done remarkable job in fielding.
Awards
His efforts were acknowledged by giving 'Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna' award in 1997-98. He also honor by was by 'Padmashree' in 1999.
Tendulkar has won a world record 14 ODI Man of series awards over his 18 year career. Tendulkar has won a world record of 58 Man of the match awards.
Summary
Sachin Tendulkar is a great player in Indian cricket. He played the highest test matches and done great contribution in Indian cricket. He is great cricketer. He is also a good human being. He is associated with many charitable institutions. He always respects his seniors. He is always calm and quit. His greatness is respected by all over the world.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ricky Ponting Australia Captain
Not many cricket lovers question that Ricky Ponting, along with Tendulkar and Lara, is one of the best three batsmen of our generation. The stats certainly back this up as he stands on the verge of surpassing Alan Border as Australia's highest ever run getter. Ponting has hit 38 centuries, second only to Tendulkar who has 42 albeit in 26 more tests, and his average before the start of the Edgbaston test is 56.31.
Yet there are regular murmurings and criticisms about his qualities as a captain both here in England and also from his homeland. Jeff Thomson was decidedly uncomplimentary about Ponting's captaincy skills before the series started, and the reaction from both the Australian and English media after the 2nd test at Lords was pretty scathing. Indeed, at Lords, that supposed bastion of civility, we witnessed the Australian captain being booed by the crowd at various times during the match. But is all this criticism fair, or is Ponting being a bit hard done by? I suggest that he is.
Certainly, his record as captain is very impressive with only three series losses in England in 2005, India in 2008 and at home to South Africa in 2008/09. Both the England and South Africa series were very close and could have gone either way and he is not the first Australian captain to lose a series in India. In the one day game, he has led Australia to two successive World Cups, the first despite losing Shane Warne on the eve of their first match against Pakistan.
It has to be said, of course, that the team he inherited from Steve Waugh was one of the greatest teams ever and contained several all-time greats (Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist and Ponting himself), as well as many other players just below the all-time great level (Langer, Hayden and Gillespie). Players of that quality could easily have hidden an average captain. But the fact that he got the job above Warne and Langer, who both would have been exceptional captains, suggests that the Australian selectors saw something special there.
However, where Ponting has really shown his mettle is in dealing with the simultaneous retirements of these great players whilst still keeping Australia as the leading test team in the World, albeit by a close margin from South Africa. This is in stark contrast, for example, to the World Cup winning England Rugby team of 2003, who following several retirements soon after their triumph slid down the rankings faster than an Andrew Flintoff yorker.
There is no better example of Ponting's captaincy skills than following the demoralising home series defeat to South Africa; he was able to lead a young and inexperienced team to a 2-1 victory in the same opponent's backyard. Not many teams win series in South Africa. He managed this with a rookie opener (Hughes), a middle-order batter making his bow (North) and several inexperienced bowlers (Siddle and Hilfenhaus). This triumph speaks volumes for Ponting's ability to motivate his team, instil self-belief and mould them into a unit that is clearly hard to beat.
So far during the current Ashes series Australia have not had the rub of the green. They should have won in Cardiff after losing the toss and at Lords they were on the receiving end of a number of poor umpiring decisions. Also, no-one could have predicted that Mitchell Johnson was going to turn into a pie chucker, that Phillip Hughes would struggle as he has, or that Brett Lee would be injured.
Of course like every captain he has made mistakes. Putting England in at Edgbaston in 2005 after McGrath's injury smacked of complacency and even a touch of arrogance. Also bowling North at the end of the Cardiff test instead of Hilfenhaus was a strange decision. However, his good decisions have definitely outweighed the bad.
The English media in particular tends to focus on his mistakes, which is to be expected given the rivalry between the two countries. Also as the newspapers and TV pundits in England are dominated by former players who were all on the receiving end of batterings from Australian teams over the last 20 years, maybe we should take the criticism with a pinch of salt.
As for the public and the booing at Lords, unfortunately more and more of a football mentality is creeping in to some cricket supporters and maybe Punter should take it as a compliment that he is being singled out for boos. He'll probably score a double century now to shut up the critics and the boo-boys.
As a Pom, I wish that Ponting was a poor captain unable to motivate his troops, but I don't believe that is the case and expect Australia to come roaring back at Edgbaston, weather permitting. I suspect that Johnson and Hughes will both return to form and perhaps the inclusion of Watson and/or Clark will give Ponting a bit more firepower in the bowling attack.
Yet there are regular murmurings and criticisms about his qualities as a captain both here in England and also from his homeland. Jeff Thomson was decidedly uncomplimentary about Ponting's captaincy skills before the series started, and the reaction from both the Australian and English media after the 2nd test at Lords was pretty scathing. Indeed, at Lords, that supposed bastion of civility, we witnessed the Australian captain being booed by the crowd at various times during the match. But is all this criticism fair, or is Ponting being a bit hard done by? I suggest that he is.
Certainly, his record as captain is very impressive with only three series losses in England in 2005, India in 2008 and at home to South Africa in 2008/09. Both the England and South Africa series were very close and could have gone either way and he is not the first Australian captain to lose a series in India. In the one day game, he has led Australia to two successive World Cups, the first despite losing Shane Warne on the eve of their first match against Pakistan.
It has to be said, of course, that the team he inherited from Steve Waugh was one of the greatest teams ever and contained several all-time greats (Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist and Ponting himself), as well as many other players just below the all-time great level (Langer, Hayden and Gillespie). Players of that quality could easily have hidden an average captain. But the fact that he got the job above Warne and Langer, who both would have been exceptional captains, suggests that the Australian selectors saw something special there.
However, where Ponting has really shown his mettle is in dealing with the simultaneous retirements of these great players whilst still keeping Australia as the leading test team in the World, albeit by a close margin from South Africa. This is in stark contrast, for example, to the World Cup winning England Rugby team of 2003, who following several retirements soon after their triumph slid down the rankings faster than an Andrew Flintoff yorker.
There is no better example of Ponting's captaincy skills than following the demoralising home series defeat to South Africa; he was able to lead a young and inexperienced team to a 2-1 victory in the same opponent's backyard. Not many teams win series in South Africa. He managed this with a rookie opener (Hughes), a middle-order batter making his bow (North) and several inexperienced bowlers (Siddle and Hilfenhaus). This triumph speaks volumes for Ponting's ability to motivate his team, instil self-belief and mould them into a unit that is clearly hard to beat.
So far during the current Ashes series Australia have not had the rub of the green. They should have won in Cardiff after losing the toss and at Lords they were on the receiving end of a number of poor umpiring decisions. Also, no-one could have predicted that Mitchell Johnson was going to turn into a pie chucker, that Phillip Hughes would struggle as he has, or that Brett Lee would be injured.
Of course like every captain he has made mistakes. Putting England in at Edgbaston in 2005 after McGrath's injury smacked of complacency and even a touch of arrogance. Also bowling North at the end of the Cardiff test instead of Hilfenhaus was a strange decision. However, his good decisions have definitely outweighed the bad.
The English media in particular tends to focus on his mistakes, which is to be expected given the rivalry between the two countries. Also as the newspapers and TV pundits in England are dominated by former players who were all on the receiving end of batterings from Australian teams over the last 20 years, maybe we should take the criticism with a pinch of salt.
As for the public and the booing at Lords, unfortunately more and more of a football mentality is creeping in to some cricket supporters and maybe Punter should take it as a compliment that he is being singled out for boos. He'll probably score a double century now to shut up the critics and the boo-boys.
As a Pom, I wish that Ponting was a poor captain unable to motivate his troops, but I don't believe that is the case and expect Australia to come roaring back at Edgbaston, weather permitting. I suspect that Johnson and Hughes will both return to form and perhaps the inclusion of Watson and/or Clark will give Ponting a bit more firepower in the bowling attack.
The Fall of Australian Cricket
It's 3 May 1995 and thanks to a brilliant 200 by Steve Waugh, Australia have beaten the West Indies in the final test to regain the Frank Worrell Trophy, surrendered by Bobby Simpson's team in 1977-78, and ended West Indies' 15 years without a series defeat. From this point on Australia have enjoyed a long period of dominance to match that of the team they beat on that famous day. Until now.
Although Australia are still top of the ICC test rankings, they are fighting to repel South Africa's bid for their number 1 ranking. Last week Andrew Strauss, not known for making bold statements about opponents during the middle of a crucial series, said that he believes facing Australia "...feels like you are playing against any other Test team." This was similar to comments made previously by Graeme Smith and Anil Kumble.
So have we reached the end of an era? Or, is this just a temporary blip in a continued era of Australian dominance?
Certainly if we look at the test match records of the five leading countries in the ICC rankings since January 2008, coincidentally when Adam Gilchrist, the last of the holy trinity along with McGrath and Warne, retired, Australia have definitely been brought back to the pack.
Most Australians will rightly point out that the baggy greens have had a tough schedule during this time with home and away series' against South Africa and an away series against India, as well as the current Ashes contest. Fair point, but during their era of dominance, only tours to India proved to be consistently difficult to win for Australia.
During the same press conference Strauss went further saying that "I don't think this Australian side has got an aura about it to be honest with you and prior to this Test series starting we didn't feel they had an aura about them." This is hardly surprising when you consider the long list of all-time great and/or very good players who have retired in the last three years: McGrath, Warne, Gilchrist, Langer, Hayden, Martyn, Gillespie and MacGill. Any team in any sport would struggle to replace players of that calibre in such a short space of time.
Although some of the replacements for these great names have already made a mark (Haddin, Johnson and Hughes to name but three), it will take some time to achieve the consistency that can only come from experience and the familiarity of playing in a team that has grown together. Indeed, inconsistency, a loss of the ability to kill teams off and the absence of the fear factor from other sides seem to be Australia's main problems at the moment.
The inconsistency has been clearly highlighted during the current Ashes series with both Johnson and Hughes in particular struggling to maintain the excellent starts both had made to their test careers. In addition to Johnson's travails, the absence of a genuine test class spin option, as well as injuries to Lee and Clark have made the Aussie attack toothless at times. On the batting side, given Hussey's continued search for form, only Ponting and Clarke can be called genuinely world class at the moment.
The loss of the killer instinct is just as stark. In the Australian summer, South Africa chased 414 to win in Perth, recovered from 184/7 to post 459 in the 1st innings during their win in Melbourne, and then nearly survived in Sydney. All that added up to Australia's first series loss at home in 15 years. The incredible survival by England at Cardiff is yet another example of Australia lacking teeth. Can anyone imagine a team with McGrath and Warne throwing away those winning positions in Perth, Melbourne and Cardiff?
As Strauss also said, the fear factor associated with playing Australia has gone, with teams no longer fearing a dramatic fightback when they've got the Aussies under the cosh. "We certainly felt that in 2006-07. Even when we had good days, we were thinking what is going to happen now. Is Gilchrist going to blast a hundred or Warne take five wickets from nowhere?" Who is going to take that quick five for now?
Undoubtedly Australia are still a good side and they will always have that streak of competitiveness that runs through any team wearing the baggy green. They proved this by bouncing back against Graeme Smith's side in the return series in South Africa, where not many sides win. Any team that can count Ponting, Clarke, Haddin, Lee and an in-form Johnson in its ranks is a dangerous side, and Strauss would be ill advised to think that winning back the little urn this summer is inevitable. However, whilst they will continue to be one of the top sides, the days of the all-conquering Australia are over, for now.
Although Australia are still top of the ICC test rankings, they are fighting to repel South Africa's bid for their number 1 ranking. Last week Andrew Strauss, not known for making bold statements about opponents during the middle of a crucial series, said that he believes facing Australia "...feels like you are playing against any other Test team." This was similar to comments made previously by Graeme Smith and Anil Kumble.
So have we reached the end of an era? Or, is this just a temporary blip in a continued era of Australian dominance?
Certainly if we look at the test match records of the five leading countries in the ICC rankings since January 2008, coincidentally when Adam Gilchrist, the last of the holy trinity along with McGrath and Warne, retired, Australia have definitely been brought back to the pack.
Most Australians will rightly point out that the baggy greens have had a tough schedule during this time with home and away series' against South Africa and an away series against India, as well as the current Ashes contest. Fair point, but during their era of dominance, only tours to India proved to be consistently difficult to win for Australia.
During the same press conference Strauss went further saying that "I don't think this Australian side has got an aura about it to be honest with you and prior to this Test series starting we didn't feel they had an aura about them." This is hardly surprising when you consider the long list of all-time great and/or very good players who have retired in the last three years: McGrath, Warne, Gilchrist, Langer, Hayden, Martyn, Gillespie and MacGill. Any team in any sport would struggle to replace players of that calibre in such a short space of time.
Although some of the replacements for these great names have already made a mark (Haddin, Johnson and Hughes to name but three), it will take some time to achieve the consistency that can only come from experience and the familiarity of playing in a team that has grown together. Indeed, inconsistency, a loss of the ability to kill teams off and the absence of the fear factor from other sides seem to be Australia's main problems at the moment.
The inconsistency has been clearly highlighted during the current Ashes series with both Johnson and Hughes in particular struggling to maintain the excellent starts both had made to their test careers. In addition to Johnson's travails, the absence of a genuine test class spin option, as well as injuries to Lee and Clark have made the Aussie attack toothless at times. On the batting side, given Hussey's continued search for form, only Ponting and Clarke can be called genuinely world class at the moment.
The loss of the killer instinct is just as stark. In the Australian summer, South Africa chased 414 to win in Perth, recovered from 184/7 to post 459 in the 1st innings during their win in Melbourne, and then nearly survived in Sydney. All that added up to Australia's first series loss at home in 15 years. The incredible survival by England at Cardiff is yet another example of Australia lacking teeth. Can anyone imagine a team with McGrath and Warne throwing away those winning positions in Perth, Melbourne and Cardiff?
As Strauss also said, the fear factor associated with playing Australia has gone, with teams no longer fearing a dramatic fightback when they've got the Aussies under the cosh. "We certainly felt that in 2006-07. Even when we had good days, we were thinking what is going to happen now. Is Gilchrist going to blast a hundred or Warne take five wickets from nowhere?" Who is going to take that quick five for now?
Undoubtedly Australia are still a good side and they will always have that streak of competitiveness that runs through any team wearing the baggy green. They proved this by bouncing back against Graeme Smith's side in the return series in South Africa, where not many sides win. Any team that can count Ponting, Clarke, Haddin, Lee and an in-form Johnson in its ranks is a dangerous side, and Strauss would be ill advised to think that winning back the little urn this summer is inevitable. However, whilst they will continue to be one of the top sides, the days of the all-conquering Australia are over, for now.
Finding the Right Cricket Equipment
My article provides cricketers with useful information on buying the right cricket equipment, resources, clothing and supplies, to improve performance. I hope that you find my guide useful and that it results in you getting the correct gear to best suit your cricket style.
The summer is upon us and the weather is looking very promising for the cricket season. If you're a keen cricket player you will understand that you need the right clothing and equipment to keep your performance levels high when the temperatures are rising and your using your energy supplies up much quicker than usual. By getting the best cricket clothing you can increase your performance due to the development in the clothing materials over the last few years. The dri-fit range keeps you cool and dry throughout the whole match so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. It does this by wicking your sweat away and increasing the air-flow. View a full range of cricket clothing, including the dri-fit ranges, at the online shop.
Let's talk about cricket equipment. There are other aspects of cricket that you must pay attention to when improving your performance levels. Training alone is only going to take you so far.A great place to start is with the equipment that you are using. By replacing your old kit with the latest products can massively improve your game. There are many different types of balls, bats and pads to choose from and the key is to find the perfect matches to suit your particular style.
Find more advice on buying the right cricket gear by visiting one of many cricket shops on-line. Once there you can speak to cricket advisors who will do their best to assist you. Thanks for reading my article and I hope that you found it useful.
The summer is upon us and the weather is looking very promising for the cricket season. If you're a keen cricket player you will understand that you need the right clothing and equipment to keep your performance levels high when the temperatures are rising and your using your energy supplies up much quicker than usual. By getting the best cricket clothing you can increase your performance due to the development in the clothing materials over the last few years. The dri-fit range keeps you cool and dry throughout the whole match so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. It does this by wicking your sweat away and increasing the air-flow. View a full range of cricket clothing, including the dri-fit ranges, at the online shop.
Let's talk about cricket equipment. There are other aspects of cricket that you must pay attention to when improving your performance levels. Training alone is only going to take you so far.A great place to start is with the equipment that you are using. By replacing your old kit with the latest products can massively improve your game. There are many different types of balls, bats and pads to choose from and the key is to find the perfect matches to suit your particular style.
Find more advice on buying the right cricket gear by visiting one of many cricket shops on-line. Once there you can speak to cricket advisors who will do their best to assist you. Thanks for reading my article and I hope that you found it useful.
An Indian Cricket Paradox Resolved
Maybe the reasons for the decision are not exactly right. But a paradox is definitely resolved now.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket captain who was called the wall for his solid anchoring, last played a one day international (ODI) in October, 2007. His defensive approach was no longer considered to be suitable for ODI cricket and so was axed.
But, the IPL (Indian Premier League) that came into being in February 2008 made Rahul Dravid one of the five highest paid icons. IPL is twenty20 meaning you have only twenty overs to build an innings in a match. Naturally, this is supposed to be tougher than ODIs where you have fifty overs. Now, if you are unfit for fifty over match, how on earth could you be considered not only fit but fit for an icon too for twenty20 cricket. A paradox was thus created.
After India's debacle in the T20 world cup of 2009 there was continuous talk about Rahul's 'experience' and 'solidity'. Rahul is kind of a player whose dogged anchoring in building an innings never gets highlighted in so many wins of Team India. Some dashers who get the momentum from him manage to win the man of the match awards. The Wall always remains abandoned at the end.
On August 16, 2009, Rahul Dravid makes it to the 15 of Team India selected for the ODI Tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in South Africa, both scheduled for September, 2009.
Rahul is past 36. Under his captaincy the Royal Challengers did miserably in IPL-1. Though in IPL-2 the same team worked wonders, Rahul was no longer the captain and his performance showed only sporadic brilliancy. There were two major mistakes in the T20 debacle; selection of unfit Virender Sehwag and somewhat forcing Rohit Sarma into the role of an opener. While Sehwag only contributed to the team's low morale and never played a match, Rohit was a string of abject failures. And that made the selectors look for 'experience' and 'solidity'.
A paradox is resolved indeed. But how paradoxical it turns out to be in the final reckoning remains to be seen.
Chinmay Chakravarty is a professional specialized in the creative field with over two decades of experience in journalistic writing, media co-ordination, film script writing, film dubbing, film & video making, management of international film festivals and editing of books & journals. Proficient in providing professional services in these related fields. Presently working in Mumbai Doordarshan as a News Editor.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket captain who was called the wall for his solid anchoring, last played a one day international (ODI) in October, 2007. His defensive approach was no longer considered to be suitable for ODI cricket and so was axed.
But, the IPL (Indian Premier League) that came into being in February 2008 made Rahul Dravid one of the five highest paid icons. IPL is twenty20 meaning you have only twenty overs to build an innings in a match. Naturally, this is supposed to be tougher than ODIs where you have fifty overs. Now, if you are unfit for fifty over match, how on earth could you be considered not only fit but fit for an icon too for twenty20 cricket. A paradox was thus created.
After India's debacle in the T20 world cup of 2009 there was continuous talk about Rahul's 'experience' and 'solidity'. Rahul is kind of a player whose dogged anchoring in building an innings never gets highlighted in so many wins of Team India. Some dashers who get the momentum from him manage to win the man of the match awards. The Wall always remains abandoned at the end.
On August 16, 2009, Rahul Dravid makes it to the 15 of Team India selected for the ODI Tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in South Africa, both scheduled for September, 2009.
Rahul is past 36. Under his captaincy the Royal Challengers did miserably in IPL-1. Though in IPL-2 the same team worked wonders, Rahul was no longer the captain and his performance showed only sporadic brilliancy. There were two major mistakes in the T20 debacle; selection of unfit Virender Sehwag and somewhat forcing Rohit Sarma into the role of an opener. While Sehwag only contributed to the team's low morale and never played a match, Rohit was a string of abject failures. And that made the selectors look for 'experience' and 'solidity'.
A paradox is resolved indeed. But how paradoxical it turns out to be in the final reckoning remains to be seen.
Chinmay Chakravarty is a professional specialized in the creative field with over two decades of experience in journalistic writing, media co-ordination, film script writing, film dubbing, film & video making, management of international film festivals and editing of books & journals. Proficient in providing professional services in these related fields. Presently working in Mumbai Doordarshan as a News Editor.
Cricket Bats and Use Them Well
Where do you start when choosing a bat for the first time? If you have never had to purchase a bat before it is a task which could be a little daunting. For starters, there are funny sizes starting with numbers and then changing to names and handle lengths. Then there is the type and grade of willow to consider and finally the shapes of the bats.
So first things first, work out which size of bat you need. If you are an adult and are less than six foot tall then you will probably want a short handle bat, which is the standard adult size bat. If you are six foot tall or over then you will probably be more comfortable with a long handle bat. This as the name suggests just has a slightly longer handle so that the player doesn't need to stoop so much to hold the cricket bat and play shots. If neither suits you some manufacturers offer a bat called the Long Blade model. This has a normal sized adult handle but blade is marginally longer as in the standard model. Overall it is therefore similar to a long handle bat.
For children the choices are obviously different. The sizes begin at zero and continue up to size 6 and then continue on to Harrow. There is also an Academy size which comes in between the Harrow and senior short handle cricket bats. Following are the guideline heights and sizes for the junior bat however various other points that should be considered will be discussed later.
It is best to visit a specialist equipment store when choosing a bat as they will let you lift the bats in store and you can then be sure that it is comfortable. Additionally the staff will be on hand to answer any queries you may have. The player who is to use the bat should stand and hold the bat as if he or she is waiting to play a shot on the crease and lift the cricket bat up in the back lift position as if about to make a shot. There should be no discomfort or strain for the player when lifting the cricket bat in this position. If the bat is too heavy for the player he will be forced to alter his grip as he lifts the bat to play a shot and this means that the bat will come down across the line of the ball. A bat for cricket that is too long will prevent correct pick up as the handle will get in the way. Both of these problems will affect the player's ability to properly develop their technical skills and play the game to their best ability.
So first things first, work out which size of bat you need. If you are an adult and are less than six foot tall then you will probably want a short handle bat, which is the standard adult size bat. If you are six foot tall or over then you will probably be more comfortable with a long handle bat. This as the name suggests just has a slightly longer handle so that the player doesn't need to stoop so much to hold the cricket bat and play shots. If neither suits you some manufacturers offer a bat called the Long Blade model. This has a normal sized adult handle but blade is marginally longer as in the standard model. Overall it is therefore similar to a long handle bat.
For children the choices are obviously different. The sizes begin at zero and continue up to size 6 and then continue on to Harrow. There is also an Academy size which comes in between the Harrow and senior short handle cricket bats. Following are the guideline heights and sizes for the junior bat however various other points that should be considered will be discussed later.
It is best to visit a specialist equipment store when choosing a bat as they will let you lift the bats in store and you can then be sure that it is comfortable. Additionally the staff will be on hand to answer any queries you may have. The player who is to use the bat should stand and hold the bat as if he or she is waiting to play a shot on the crease and lift the cricket bat up in the back lift position as if about to make a shot. There should be no discomfort or strain for the player when lifting the cricket bat in this position. If the bat is too heavy for the player he will be forced to alter his grip as he lifts the bat to play a shot and this means that the bat will come down across the line of the ball. A bat for cricket that is too long will prevent correct pick up as the handle will get in the way. Both of these problems will affect the player's ability to properly develop their technical skills and play the game to their best ability.
Five BatsmenGreat Records
First one: There are many great cricket players in their sports. When you think of these great players the player that probably comes to mind first is Donald Bradman. Bradman, an Australian Cricketer was acknowledged as the greatest batman of all times. By the age of 22 he had set many records for high scoring, some of these records are still unbeaten, he is idolized by many Australians' during the height of the Great Depression.
Second one: Another one of the top cricket batsman is an Indian cricketer known as Sachin Tendulkar. In 2002 he was ranked as the second greatest test batsman of all time according to Wisden. Tendulkar is the highest scorer in both test matches and ODIs,. Tedulkar is also known for the most centuries in either form of the game. In 1997 he passed Laras record for the most runs scored in Test cricket, and went on to become the first batsman to score 12,000 runs in that form of the game.
Third one: Garfield Sobers born July 28. 1936 in the WEST Indies is regarded as crickets greatest ever all-rounder. In 1975 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to cricket.
Fourth: Another one of the best cricketers in the sport is an Australian native known as Allan Borden. Borden still holds the world title for the most consecutive Test appearances, a total of 153 and the most test as a captain. A left handed batter Borden held the world record with a 11,174 test runs until 2005 when it was broken by Brian Lara in 2005.
Last but not the least: Probably another one of the best cricket players is Viv Richards, he was voted one of the top 5 cricketers of the century in 2000 by a 100 member panel of experts. In 2002 he was chosen as Wisden as the greatest ODI batsman of all times.
Second one: Another one of the top cricket batsman is an Indian cricketer known as Sachin Tendulkar. In 2002 he was ranked as the second greatest test batsman of all time according to Wisden. Tendulkar is the highest scorer in both test matches and ODIs,. Tedulkar is also known for the most centuries in either form of the game. In 1997 he passed Laras record for the most runs scored in Test cricket, and went on to become the first batsman to score 12,000 runs in that form of the game.
Third one: Garfield Sobers born July 28. 1936 in the WEST Indies is regarded as crickets greatest ever all-rounder. In 1975 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to cricket.
Fourth: Another one of the best cricketers in the sport is an Australian native known as Allan Borden. Borden still holds the world title for the most consecutive Test appearances, a total of 153 and the most test as a captain. A left handed batter Borden held the world record with a 11,174 test runs until 2005 when it was broken by Brian Lara in 2005.
Last but not the least: Probably another one of the best cricket players is Viv Richards, he was voted one of the top 5 cricketers of the century in 2000 by a 100 member panel of experts. In 2002 he was chosen as Wisden as the greatest ODI batsman of all times.
Diary of a Spread Bettor
I thought England's 435 all out was an unbelievable score in the circumstances. The tail wagged as well as I have ever seen a tail wag before. Swann, Anderson and Broad all chipped in with boundaries galore to post a decent total. The English spirit of 2005 was back and n my eyes, the Aussies were certainties to lose an early wicket in response...
I sold Hughes' runs at 50 in-running for £5 and was thrilled to see him nick a Freddie Flintoff special through to Prior for 36. A cheeky £70 profit and I was off to the perfect start. I was confident and more importantly, so were England. In fact, there was a real chance that the Three Lions could actually take more wickets and go on to win the match.
I soon sold Katich for £3 in-running at 82 and sold Australia runs for £4 at what looked a massive 525. Sadly, it soon became clear that the only person heading to Lord's 1-0 down was going to be me! I had taken one giant step into that 'corridor of uncertainty' and I had to decide quickly whether I was going to head back.
As the ball began to rattle its way to all four corners of Cardiff, I decided to take my hit shortly before 6pm and buy Katich back at 132 (a £150 loss) and also opted to buy £8 of Australia runs at 575 to take another £200 loss and go the other way for £4. Both batsmen were closing in fast on their centuries and with the score at 249/1 at stumps, I had done the right thing. Sometimes it's right to take the hit if you've blatantly got something wrong. My misjudgment had cost me £350, but if Australia batted on past 575, I had a chance of getting something back.
Anyway, if Strauss continued to captain the side like Bungle from Rainbow (look him up if you don't know who he is), there was more than just a good chance that Australia could post 700! What was he doing gifting both Ponting and Katich hundreds and not applying more pressure and why did he take the new ball and then put the spinners on again ten overs later... a certain Geoffrey would have never done that!
Friday 10th July
I found myself in the very strange position of driving to Newmarket and cheering on every Aussie boundary. The scoreboard raced onto 299 and then Katich was trapped LBW by Anderson for 122. Spread betting does funny thing to you. While all English cricket fans were celebrating, I was sat quietly irritated. Not only had the dismissal cost me £30 (I had closed Katich at 132), it also meant that my buy of Australian total runs at a ridiculously high level was also looking dodgy to say the least!
The next 30 minutes were horrendous and by the time I had parked the car (told you it does funny things to you), both Hussey and Ponting had joined Katich back in the pavilion. They were 331/4, their runs quote had collapsed and I didn't know what to do. I had taken too many hits already and my proverbial gum shield was hanging out of my mouth. I didn't panic and decided not to watch or listen to another ball until getting back in the car.
To cap it all, I'd also backed Scenic Blast ante-post in the July Cup and was upset when the Aussie sprint sensation trailed in a distant sixth. I had spent the afternoon throwing money at all things Australian and it was costing me a fortune. It hadn't been a G'Day (sorry had to do it)!
Saturday 11th July
The weather forecasters had said all week that we'd be lucky to see a ball bowled in Cardiff on Saturday - they were wrong. Two full sessions and thank god, a sack full of Aussie runs. They batted brilliantly all day and when Haddin was eventually caught for 121 (with his partner North not out on 125), the total had reached an impressive 674. The declaration followed disappointingly (I must be the only man in England who wishes they were still batting now!) and I had made 99 x £4.
After all the stress and strain, I had won back £396 to cover the £350 loss and add to the early £70 profit. England lost two early wickets which was great news for my £5 sell of Cook's series runs at 355. His contribution in the first test was just 16 from his two knocks and things were looking rosier.
Sunday 12th July
Watched Pietersen leave one he'd have never have left if the world and his wife hadn't been on his back for playing 'that shot' in the first innings. Strauss and Prior then followed him quickly back to the pavilion and at 70 for 5 before lunch, they were heading for certain defeat.
Collingwood stood firm throughout the day and then Anderson and Panesar somehow managed to pull off an incredible draw. I didn't have a bet, but was firmly back supporting England. It was a huge result and was made even more enjoyable by Ponting's sour grapes at the press conference. I also think that Collingwood is beginning to turn into Alan Shearer... close your eyes the next time he is interviewed.
By the way, I found out some interesting cricketing trivia today too. Did you know that James Anderson now holds the Test cricket record for the batsman with the most consecutive innings' without a duck. It currently stands at over 50! Lara, Bradman, Tendulkar... none of them managed to do it!
Also, Michael Vaughan, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting have over 80 test match centuries between them, but none of them went on to make a double century. That's an extraordinary statistic when you think that Jason Gillespie only made one test century in his career and he coverted that into a 'double-ton'!
Monday 13th July A rubbish day of sport to start an unbelievable sporting week that includes not only the Open Golf Championship, but the second test from Lord's.
I sold Hughes' runs at 50 in-running for £5 and was thrilled to see him nick a Freddie Flintoff special through to Prior for 36. A cheeky £70 profit and I was off to the perfect start. I was confident and more importantly, so were England. In fact, there was a real chance that the Three Lions could actually take more wickets and go on to win the match.
I soon sold Katich for £3 in-running at 82 and sold Australia runs for £4 at what looked a massive 525. Sadly, it soon became clear that the only person heading to Lord's 1-0 down was going to be me! I had taken one giant step into that 'corridor of uncertainty' and I had to decide quickly whether I was going to head back.
As the ball began to rattle its way to all four corners of Cardiff, I decided to take my hit shortly before 6pm and buy Katich back at 132 (a £150 loss) and also opted to buy £8 of Australia runs at 575 to take another £200 loss and go the other way for £4. Both batsmen were closing in fast on their centuries and with the score at 249/1 at stumps, I had done the right thing. Sometimes it's right to take the hit if you've blatantly got something wrong. My misjudgment had cost me £350, but if Australia batted on past 575, I had a chance of getting something back.
Anyway, if Strauss continued to captain the side like Bungle from Rainbow (look him up if you don't know who he is), there was more than just a good chance that Australia could post 700! What was he doing gifting both Ponting and Katich hundreds and not applying more pressure and why did he take the new ball and then put the spinners on again ten overs later... a certain Geoffrey would have never done that!
Friday 10th July
I found myself in the very strange position of driving to Newmarket and cheering on every Aussie boundary. The scoreboard raced onto 299 and then Katich was trapped LBW by Anderson for 122. Spread betting does funny thing to you. While all English cricket fans were celebrating, I was sat quietly irritated. Not only had the dismissal cost me £30 (I had closed Katich at 132), it also meant that my buy of Australian total runs at a ridiculously high level was also looking dodgy to say the least!
The next 30 minutes were horrendous and by the time I had parked the car (told you it does funny things to you), both Hussey and Ponting had joined Katich back in the pavilion. They were 331/4, their runs quote had collapsed and I didn't know what to do. I had taken too many hits already and my proverbial gum shield was hanging out of my mouth. I didn't panic and decided not to watch or listen to another ball until getting back in the car.
To cap it all, I'd also backed Scenic Blast ante-post in the July Cup and was upset when the Aussie sprint sensation trailed in a distant sixth. I had spent the afternoon throwing money at all things Australian and it was costing me a fortune. It hadn't been a G'Day (sorry had to do it)!
Saturday 11th July
The weather forecasters had said all week that we'd be lucky to see a ball bowled in Cardiff on Saturday - they were wrong. Two full sessions and thank god, a sack full of Aussie runs. They batted brilliantly all day and when Haddin was eventually caught for 121 (with his partner North not out on 125), the total had reached an impressive 674. The declaration followed disappointingly (I must be the only man in England who wishes they were still batting now!) and I had made 99 x £4.
After all the stress and strain, I had won back £396 to cover the £350 loss and add to the early £70 profit. England lost two early wickets which was great news for my £5 sell of Cook's series runs at 355. His contribution in the first test was just 16 from his two knocks and things were looking rosier.
Sunday 12th July
Watched Pietersen leave one he'd have never have left if the world and his wife hadn't been on his back for playing 'that shot' in the first innings. Strauss and Prior then followed him quickly back to the pavilion and at 70 for 5 before lunch, they were heading for certain defeat.
Collingwood stood firm throughout the day and then Anderson and Panesar somehow managed to pull off an incredible draw. I didn't have a bet, but was firmly back supporting England. It was a huge result and was made even more enjoyable by Ponting's sour grapes at the press conference. I also think that Collingwood is beginning to turn into Alan Shearer... close your eyes the next time he is interviewed.
By the way, I found out some interesting cricketing trivia today too. Did you know that James Anderson now holds the Test cricket record for the batsman with the most consecutive innings' without a duck. It currently stands at over 50! Lara, Bradman, Tendulkar... none of them managed to do it!
Also, Michael Vaughan, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting have over 80 test match centuries between them, but none of them went on to make a double century. That's an extraordinary statistic when you think that Jason Gillespie only made one test century in his career and he coverted that into a 'double-ton'!
Monday 13th July A rubbish day of sport to start an unbelievable sporting week that includes not only the Open Golf Championship, but the second test from Lord's.
Third Test
Those who have claimed that Test cricket is becoming boring are being forced to eat their words as the battle for the Ashes becomes ever more gripping. Relations between the teams have appeared tense since the opener in Cardiff and as spread bettors prepare for the series' third installment, Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting know there is plenty riding on the Edgbaston Test.
Buyers of England's series win spread will have noted that the Aussies have had mixed results at Edgbaston in recent years. In 1997 Australia suffered a huge collapse against England and managed to lose in just over three days, whilst in 1999 the Aussies drew a memorable one-day World Cup match here with the South Africans. Regular cricket spread punters are sure to remember that Edgbaston was also the venue for the epic battle in 2005 where England triumphed by just two runs in the closest Ashes match ever. Both buyers and sellers of England's match win index spread might like to consider that England have won 22 of their 43 tests at Edgbaston, although only spread buyers will be pleased with the host's record against Australia here of P12, W5, L3 and D4.
England have managed to notch some fairly impressive totals at the Warwickshire venue including a 566-9 declared against West Indies in 2004. Cricket bettors will be interested to know that the highest total ever reached by an English side at Edgbaston was 633/5 declared, and although that was back in 1979 it will not stop buyers of England's team ton-ups spread hoping that the top-order is able to stamp their authority over the Aussies and get somewhere close to this record.
Despite a certain success in the West Midlands, buyers of Australia's win index spread may take more from analysis of England's performances in the middle Ashes Test - Strauss's team has a poor record in third Tests of a home Ashes series. At the last such match, at Old Trafford in 2005, England managed a draw but in the previous two third Tests, in 2001 (Trent Bridge) and 1997 (Old Trafford again), England were comfortably beaten by seven wickets and 268 runs respectively. Buyers of Australia's first innings supremacy should note however that the baggy greens have averaged just 242 first innings runs in their last three third-Tests on British soil and punters looking to sell the supremacy spread will take encouragement from England's equivalent average of 263, or an average supremacy of 21, over the same period.
Buyers of England's series win spread will have noted that the Aussies have had mixed results at Edgbaston in recent years. In 1997 Australia suffered a huge collapse against England and managed to lose in just over three days, whilst in 1999 the Aussies drew a memorable one-day World Cup match here with the South Africans. Regular cricket spread punters are sure to remember that Edgbaston was also the venue for the epic battle in 2005 where England triumphed by just two runs in the closest Ashes match ever. Both buyers and sellers of England's match win index spread might like to consider that England have won 22 of their 43 tests at Edgbaston, although only spread buyers will be pleased with the host's record against Australia here of P12, W5, L3 and D4.
England have managed to notch some fairly impressive totals at the Warwickshire venue including a 566-9 declared against West Indies in 2004. Cricket bettors will be interested to know that the highest total ever reached by an English side at Edgbaston was 633/5 declared, and although that was back in 1979 it will not stop buyers of England's team ton-ups spread hoping that the top-order is able to stamp their authority over the Aussies and get somewhere close to this record.
Despite a certain success in the West Midlands, buyers of Australia's win index spread may take more from analysis of England's performances in the middle Ashes Test - Strauss's team has a poor record in third Tests of a home Ashes series. At the last such match, at Old Trafford in 2005, England managed a draw but in the previous two third Tests, in 2001 (Trent Bridge) and 1997 (Old Trafford again), England were comfortably beaten by seven wickets and 268 runs respectively. Buyers of Australia's first innings supremacy should note however that the baggy greens have averaged just 242 first innings runs in their last three third-Tests on British soil and punters looking to sell the supremacy spread will take encouragement from England's equivalent average of 263, or an average supremacy of 21, over the same period.
Third Test
Those who have claimed that Test cricket is becoming boring are being forced to eat their words as the battle for the Ashes becomes ever more gripping. Relations between the teams have appeared tense since the opener in Cardiff and as spread bettors prepare for the series' third installment, Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting know there is plenty riding on the Edgbaston Test.
Buyers of England's series win spread will have noted that the Aussies have had mixed results at Edgbaston in recent years. In 1997 Australia suffered a huge collapse against England and managed to lose in just over three days, whilst in 1999 the Aussies drew a memorable one-day World Cup match here with the South Africans. Regular cricket spread punters are sure to remember that Edgbaston was also the venue for the epic battle in 2005 where England triumphed by just two runs in the closest Ashes match ever. Both buyers and sellers of England's match win index spread might like to consider that England have won 22 of their 43 tests at Edgbaston, although only spread buyers will be pleased with the host's record against Australia here of P12, W5, L3 and D4.
England have managed to notch some fairly impressive totals at the Warwickshire venue including a 566-9 declared against West Indies in 2004. Cricket bettors will be interested to know that the highest total ever reached by an English side at Edgbaston was 633/5 declared, and although that was back in 1979 it will not stop buyers of England's team ton-ups spread hoping that the top-order is able to stamp their authority over the Aussies and get somewhere close to this record.
Despite a certain success in the West Midlands, buyers of Australia's win index spread may take more from analysis of England's performances in the middle Ashes Test - Strauss's team has a poor record in third Tests of a home Ashes series. At the last such match, at Old Trafford in 2005, England managed a draw but in the previous two third Tests, in 2001 (Trent Bridge) and 1997 (Old Trafford again), England were comfortably beaten by seven wickets and 268 runs respectively. Buyers of Australia's first innings supremacy should note however that the baggy greens have averaged just 242 first innings runs in their last three third-Tests on British soil and punters looking to sell the supremacy spread will take encouragement from England's equivalent average of 263, or an average supremacy of 21, over the same period.
Sporting Index bettors that like to get involved in the individual player markets will be interested to know that Freddie Flintoff tends to bring his best to Edgbaston. Between 2000 and 2008 he has scored 476 runs at an average of 47.60. Cricket bettors buying into his player performance or runs spreads will be hoping he can remain fit and add to his one century and two half-centuries in that period, his highest score being 167. Kevin Pietersen also has a strong record at the ground having scored 344 runs since 2005 at an average of 57.33. Even better than Flintoff, KP has scored one century and two half-centuries here since 2005.
Buyers of England's series win spread will have noted that the Aussies have had mixed results at Edgbaston in recent years. In 1997 Australia suffered a huge collapse against England and managed to lose in just over three days, whilst in 1999 the Aussies drew a memorable one-day World Cup match here with the South Africans. Regular cricket spread punters are sure to remember that Edgbaston was also the venue for the epic battle in 2005 where England triumphed by just two runs in the closest Ashes match ever. Both buyers and sellers of England's match win index spread might like to consider that England have won 22 of their 43 tests at Edgbaston, although only spread buyers will be pleased with the host's record against Australia here of P12, W5, L3 and D4.
England have managed to notch some fairly impressive totals at the Warwickshire venue including a 566-9 declared against West Indies in 2004. Cricket bettors will be interested to know that the highest total ever reached by an English side at Edgbaston was 633/5 declared, and although that was back in 1979 it will not stop buyers of England's team ton-ups spread hoping that the top-order is able to stamp their authority over the Aussies and get somewhere close to this record.
Despite a certain success in the West Midlands, buyers of Australia's win index spread may take more from analysis of England's performances in the middle Ashes Test - Strauss's team has a poor record in third Tests of a home Ashes series. At the last such match, at Old Trafford in 2005, England managed a draw but in the previous two third Tests, in 2001 (Trent Bridge) and 1997 (Old Trafford again), England were comfortably beaten by seven wickets and 268 runs respectively. Buyers of Australia's first innings supremacy should note however that the baggy greens have averaged just 242 first innings runs in their last three third-Tests on British soil and punters looking to sell the supremacy spread will take encouragement from England's equivalent average of 263, or an average supremacy of 21, over the same period.
Sporting Index bettors that like to get involved in the individual player markets will be interested to know that Freddie Flintoff tends to bring his best to Edgbaston. Between 2000 and 2008 he has scored 476 runs at an average of 47.60. Cricket bettors buying into his player performance or runs spreads will be hoping he can remain fit and add to his one century and two half-centuries in that period, his highest score being 167. Kevin Pietersen also has a strong record at the ground having scored 344 runs since 2005 at an average of 57.33. Even better than Flintoff, KP has scored one century and two half-centuries here since 2005.
Trading Talk - The Ashes
Now the talking is over and series underway, the tussle for the Ashes hots-up with a mid-summer second Test at the Home of Cricket. Ashes spread bettors thumbing through their formbooks will be aware that Lord's is traditionally a ground where the Aussies have enjoyed rich pickings - it was the scene of their solitary victory in the 2005 series and the tourists have remained unbeaten there since 1934. Like the Ashes schedulers who moved the Lord's test from its familiar position as the series opener, buyers of the Australia match win index spread will note their dominant record of 15 victories, 14 draws and five defeats.
However, spread buyers of Australian team and individual match runs will note that captain Ricky Ponting has a poor individual record at Lord's with an average of just 17.25 in Tests against England, having never made higher than 49. Furthermore, few of the current Aussie squad have experience playing in front of the MCC. Of those that do, vice-captain Michael Clarke performed admirably here in 2005 with an average of 51 and top score of 91. Simon Katich has an average of 47 from the same two innings, but he will be hoping to keep Andrew Flintoff at bay who bowled him four times in the last series on English soil.
Unsurprisingly, Sporting Index expect the batting danger man for the Three Lions to be Kevin Pietersen, whose two Lords knocks in the 2005 series yielded a brace of half centuries backing up his superb ground average of 72.90 - the highest of any Englishman to have played more than 5 matches at the venue. Buyers of Andrew Strauss's total runs spread should also be pleased to note that the England skipper is fifth in the all-time list of England Test scorers at Lord's. Currently standing on a total of 989, the left-handed England opener will easily pass the 1,000 mark if he produces anything like his previous Lord's form.
However, spread buyers of Australian team and individual match runs will note that captain Ricky Ponting has a poor individual record at Lord's with an average of just 17.25 in Tests against England, having never made higher than 49. Furthermore, few of the current Aussie squad have experience playing in front of the MCC. Of those that do, vice-captain Michael Clarke performed admirably here in 2005 with an average of 51 and top score of 91. Simon Katich has an average of 47 from the same two innings, but he will be hoping to keep Andrew Flintoff at bay who bowled him four times in the last series on English soil.
Unsurprisingly, Sporting Index expect the batting danger man for the Three Lions to be Kevin Pietersen, whose two Lords knocks in the 2005 series yielded a brace of half centuries backing up his superb ground average of 72.90 - the highest of any Englishman to have played more than 5 matches at the venue. Buyers of Andrew Strauss's total runs spread should also be pleased to note that the England skipper is fifth in the all-time list of England Test scorers at Lord's. Currently standing on a total of 989, the left-handed England opener will easily pass the 1,000 mark if he produces anything like his previous Lord's form.
Sachin Tendulkar's Great Hundreds
Sachin Tendulkar, probably the most successful cricketer of India of all time, is willing to end his career only after getting 15,000 runs in test cricket and winning 2011 world cup for India.
In an interview with Wisden, Sachin told "I am not pleased yet with what I have done." He added that Sunil Gavaskar has told him to get this achievement. With more than 12,500 runs at an average near 55, Sachin Tendulkar has made 42 hundreds in Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar started his test career in 1989 at Karachi against Pakistan. If we see his performance in the last 15-20 years we find that his efforts and not only great but also extraordinary sometimes. This makes Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar special in Indian Cricket and World Cricket. Some of the great hundreds in test cricket are be following
Sachin Tendulkar's Great Hundreds:
1. 119 not out v England, Old Trafford, 1990- At the age of 17, Tendulkar managed to score 119 not out facing Malcolm, Fraser, Lewis and Hemmings on a good pitch for bowlers. India were chasing 408 runs to win, but at one time they were struggling 127 for 5, with only Tendulkar left as a recognised batsman. But with efforts of Tendulkar who batted for approximately four hours and partnerships with Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar, India managed to save the test match with equal position of wining.
2. 114 v Australia, Perth, 1991-92 - It was the last test of a series which India were down 3-0. Australian fast bowlers on a Perth wicket were making difficult for Indian batsmen to score runs. On this ground Sachin played a great knock of 114 with 16 boundaries. It was a great effort facing bowlers like Reiffel, McDermott, Whitney and Hughes.
3. 169 v South Africa, Cape Town, 1996-97 - This was the second test of three test series. South African bowlers bowled out India for 100 and 66 in the first test at Durban. South Africans have scored 529 and India were 58 for 5 with Tendulkar and Azheruddin on crease. From this point the most expected result was an innings defeat for India. But Sachin played one of his greatest innings of all time to score 169 that included a partnership of 222 with Azheruddin that helped India to save a follow on.
4. 155 not out v Australia, Chennai, 1997-98 - This was the first test match of three test series. The focus was on the contest between Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar. In the first innings Warne managed to dismiss Tendulkar for four, and Australian spinners made it difficult for Indian batsmen to stay at wickets for long. From 126 for 1 India bowled out for mere 257. Aussies took a lead of 71. In the second innings Sachin came and scored 155 runs to frustrate Aussie bowlers that finally helped India to win the test by 179 runs.
5. 136 v Pakistan, Chennai, 1998-99- Chasing a score of 271 India lost their 5 wickets for 82 when Sachin Tendulkar and Nayan Mongia started a partnership to bring India back onto a winning position. Tendulkar was struggling with pain in his back but still played a heroic innings. Sachin got out with 18 runs needed to win. In spite of this great performance India lost the game.
6. 116 v Australia, Melbourne, 1999-00 - After losing the first test match of the series, India were 31 for 3 after Australia finished their innings on 405. Sachin played a great knock in front of Mcgrath, Fleming, Lee(debut test) and Warne on boxing day test match.
7. 155 v South Africa, Bloemfontein, 2001-02 - On first day of a tour to South Africa India ended the day on 372 for 7. This was a great achievement to score more than 350 runs in front of Pollock, Ntini, Hayward, Klusener and Kallis on first day of the series. Tendulkar scored 155 of 183 balls with 23 fours and a six. Sehwag(dubut test) also scored a hundred and was involved in a partnership of 220 runs with Tendulkar.
8. 193 v England, Headingley, Leeds, 2002 - Great knock from Tendulkar helped India to win a test match in England after a long time. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly also scored tons and India won by innings and 46 runs.
9. 241 not out v Australia, Sydney 2003-04 - In a four test series Sachin's performance in the first three test was ordinary. The whole attraction was grabbed by Laxman, Dravid, Sehwag and Ganguly. In the final test at SCG Sachin showed his class by hitting an unbeaten 241 that helped India to score a mammoth 705 for 7. Laxman also played a great knock and scored 178. He was involved in a partnership of 353 with Tendulkar.
10. 160 v New Zealand, Hamilton, 2008-09 - Winning a test match in New Zealand is a big task for Indian Cricket Team. In this match Sachin scored 160 to help India taking a lead of 241 and ensuring a positive result in the first test.
In an interview with Wisden, Sachin told "I am not pleased yet with what I have done." He added that Sunil Gavaskar has told him to get this achievement. With more than 12,500 runs at an average near 55, Sachin Tendulkar has made 42 hundreds in Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar started his test career in 1989 at Karachi against Pakistan. If we see his performance in the last 15-20 years we find that his efforts and not only great but also extraordinary sometimes. This makes Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar special in Indian Cricket and World Cricket. Some of the great hundreds in test cricket are be following
Sachin Tendulkar's Great Hundreds:
1. 119 not out v England, Old Trafford, 1990- At the age of 17, Tendulkar managed to score 119 not out facing Malcolm, Fraser, Lewis and Hemmings on a good pitch for bowlers. India were chasing 408 runs to win, but at one time they were struggling 127 for 5, with only Tendulkar left as a recognised batsman. But with efforts of Tendulkar who batted for approximately four hours and partnerships with Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar, India managed to save the test match with equal position of wining.
2. 114 v Australia, Perth, 1991-92 - It was the last test of a series which India were down 3-0. Australian fast bowlers on a Perth wicket were making difficult for Indian batsmen to score runs. On this ground Sachin played a great knock of 114 with 16 boundaries. It was a great effort facing bowlers like Reiffel, McDermott, Whitney and Hughes.
3. 169 v South Africa, Cape Town, 1996-97 - This was the second test of three test series. South African bowlers bowled out India for 100 and 66 in the first test at Durban. South Africans have scored 529 and India were 58 for 5 with Tendulkar and Azheruddin on crease. From this point the most expected result was an innings defeat for India. But Sachin played one of his greatest innings of all time to score 169 that included a partnership of 222 with Azheruddin that helped India to save a follow on.
4. 155 not out v Australia, Chennai, 1997-98 - This was the first test match of three test series. The focus was on the contest between Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar. In the first innings Warne managed to dismiss Tendulkar for four, and Australian spinners made it difficult for Indian batsmen to stay at wickets for long. From 126 for 1 India bowled out for mere 257. Aussies took a lead of 71. In the second innings Sachin came and scored 155 runs to frustrate Aussie bowlers that finally helped India to win the test by 179 runs.
5. 136 v Pakistan, Chennai, 1998-99- Chasing a score of 271 India lost their 5 wickets for 82 when Sachin Tendulkar and Nayan Mongia started a partnership to bring India back onto a winning position. Tendulkar was struggling with pain in his back but still played a heroic innings. Sachin got out with 18 runs needed to win. In spite of this great performance India lost the game.
6. 116 v Australia, Melbourne, 1999-00 - After losing the first test match of the series, India were 31 for 3 after Australia finished their innings on 405. Sachin played a great knock in front of Mcgrath, Fleming, Lee(debut test) and Warne on boxing day test match.
7. 155 v South Africa, Bloemfontein, 2001-02 - On first day of a tour to South Africa India ended the day on 372 for 7. This was a great achievement to score more than 350 runs in front of Pollock, Ntini, Hayward, Klusener and Kallis on first day of the series. Tendulkar scored 155 of 183 balls with 23 fours and a six. Sehwag(dubut test) also scored a hundred and was involved in a partnership of 220 runs with Tendulkar.
8. 193 v England, Headingley, Leeds, 2002 - Great knock from Tendulkar helped India to win a test match in England after a long time. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly also scored tons and India won by innings and 46 runs.
9. 241 not out v Australia, Sydney 2003-04 - In a four test series Sachin's performance in the first three test was ordinary. The whole attraction was grabbed by Laxman, Dravid, Sehwag and Ganguly. In the final test at SCG Sachin showed his class by hitting an unbeaten 241 that helped India to score a mammoth 705 for 7. Laxman also played a great knock and scored 178. He was involved in a partnership of 353 with Tendulkar.
10. 160 v New Zealand, Hamilton, 2008-09 - Winning a test match in New Zealand is a big task for Indian Cricket Team. In this match Sachin scored 160 to help India taking a lead of 241 and ensuring a positive result in the first test.
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