Tendulkar: I never felt the need to go for big shots
Staff Reporter - 24 February 2002

The Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) stadium witnessed another masterly knock from Sachin Tendulkar, who scored his 28th Test century on Saturday. On a batting paradise, Tendulkar was in complete command throughout the day.

Speaking of the wicket, Tendulkar said, "It was a slow track and cracks had developed because of which the ball was not coming on to the bat. The ball kept low at times, though I never felt troubled during the entire innings."

He explained why he had decided to restrain himself. "We were in a good position and I never felt the need to go for big shots," he said.

Tendulkar's unbeaten 137 (275 balls, 18x4) has seen him go past two Australian legends - Steve Waugh and Allan Border - in the list of top century-makers in Tests. Only the peerless Sir Donald Bradman, with 29 hundreds, and Sunil Gavaskar, with 34 hundreds, now stay ahead of him. A happy Tendulkar termed the VCA stadium as one of his happy hunting grounds, before quickly adding, "It was just another hundred. That is always a good feeling."

Speaking of the Zimbabweans, the master batsman praised left-arm spinner Ray Price, who he felt maintained a good length all through the day. "I feel Price was the pick of the bowlers," he said.

As for his team, he felt they had made good progress on the day, adding that a first-innings lead of around 250 would prove more than useful. Knowing Tendulkar, he would be hoping to stay around on Sunday and ensure that this is achieved. A double-ton along the way for the master would prove the icing on the cake for the millions of Indian spectators who are bound to follow the action on Sunday.

© CricInfo

[Archive]