top 10 batsmen intest

ID	Rat.	Name	Nat.
1	900	S. Chanderpaul
2	880	Mohammad Yousuf
3	859	K.C. Sangakkara
4	832	K.P. Pietersen
5	825	M.J. Clarke
6	819	D.P.M.D. Jayawardena
7	810	R.T. Ponting
8	799	Younis Khan
9	797	G.C. Smith
10	771	G. Gambhir

sachin’s 40′th ton

Sachin Tendulkar has said India were in a decent, but not brilliant, position after ending the first day of the final Test in Nagpur on 311 for 5. Tendulkar, who stabilised the Indian innings with his 40th Test hundred, felt losing five wickets was too many and “three would have been okay”.

The situation when he began his innings was reminiscent of India’s first innings in Mohali where a terrific start had been eroded by quick wickets. Today India went from 98 for 0 to 116 for 3 and were in danger of allowing Australia to bounce back after Virender Sehwag’s half-century forced them on the defensive.

“It was important that I got going because we had lost a couple of wickets and even Sehwag got out after that,” Tendulkar said. “I think it was just about keeping the head cool initially because when I walked in it was a critical stage. We had to make sure that we [VVS Laxman and I] had a good partnership and took the game away from Australia because the momentum was with them [Australia] initially.”

Tendulkar and Laxman’s efforts succeeded and they regained the advantage by adding 146 for the fourth wicket. Tendulkar went after the debutant offspinner Jason Krejza, slogging him over midwicket and lifting over mid-on. He fed off the deliveries that Mitchell Johnson bowled on his pads, flicking with impeccable timing towards the square-leg boundary. The shot of the day, however, was a trademark on-drive against Lee which bisected the gap between the bowler and mid-on.

Tendulkar, however, was fortunate to get a century. On 74 he survived a run-out chance; on 85 he mis-hit Krejza to mid-off where Johnson dropped the catch; on 96 he lofted Krejza once again to long-off where Brett Lee couldn’t hang on. Tendulkar played out 11 dot balls on 99 before reaching his hundred by cutting Krejza to the point boundary.

“I can say he [Krejza] was a bit unlucky,” Tendulkar said. “He had a first wonderful day. Today I can also thank God [for reaching the hundred] . I am delighted at getting the century.”

The 40th century eluded Tendulkar twice in this series. He was out for 88 in Mohali and 68 in Delhi and on both occasions he was batting with fluency before falling against the run of play. Tendulkar, however, said although he missed out on hundreds, he had made vital contributions, such as the patient 49 in Bangalore which helped India save the Test.

“I know I am batting well, but I was not getting to the three-figure landmark. But I don’t think that is everything. I have gone in at crucial [stages] at almost four or five times and I have been able to play. That is very satisfying, when you deliver when the team needs the most.”

Tendulkar was dismissed in the last half-hour of the day, playing across the line to Johnson, who was bowling with the second new ball. That lapse, and the catches that were offered before his century, seemed to indicate a drop in concentration, but Tendulkar did not agree.

“I don’t think I lost my concentration,” he said. “Yes there was a patch in between but later on I felt I had sort of again changed the momentum and I just wanted to be there till the end today.”

Tendulkar said that the pitch was a “perfect track” but what was noticeable, even in the first hour of play, was how quickly the bowlers’ follow-throughs left their mark on the surface. Krejza got a few deliveries to spin and turn on day one and Tendulkar said it will definitely help the spinners more.

“The wicket is playing good. It is on the harder side and it is quite good. The spinners are getting bounce so I think in a day or two it will be difficult to play the spinners.” When play ended on the first day, Harbhajan Singh made his way out to the middle, possibly to inspect the surface on which he hopes to fulfil the responsibility passed on to him by Anil Kumble.

What is so special about Tendulkar?

Well, now Aussie legend Shane Warne has released the book, ‘Shane Warne’s Century’ which rates Sachin Tendulkar numero uno. But what is the specialty Sachin Tendulkar has? Where does he outscore his competitors? There are many answers.

HE IS worshiped as the God in a cricket-driven country. His opponents once used to feel, somehow if they can send him back to the pavilion, then half of their work is done. After his departure, everyone in India used to switch-off their televisions. As long as he used to bat, everyone prayed for him. This was the power Sachin Tendulkar had once.

He holds many records in both Tests and one-day international matches (ODIs). He has the maximum runs in international cricket, besides scoring maximum centuries in international formats. He is about to break his one time rival, Brian Lara’s record of highest run aggregate in Tests. He also has the maximum Man of the Match awards in ODIs.

So are these factors are enough to make him the number one player of his time? The answer is yes. But at the same time he has outscored his contemporary batsmen (perhaps, even players) in the area of attitude.He never played any mind game with any of his counterparts. Instead, he allowed his bat to do all the talking. When he travelled to Australia for the first time in the 1991-92 series, some of the Aussies made fun of him regarding his age.

But after the end of the series, he shut everyone’s mouth. During the 1999 World Cup, he lost his father and he had to rush back home from England eventually missing the match against Zimbabwe. But still he returned to the Indian side in the match versus Kenya, whom India could have easily beaten proving his commitment. Not just this, he even scored a century in that match dedicating it to his late father.

He also seems to have a strong distaste for fights. During his first stint of captaincy, Azharuddin started all sorts of politics against him and divided the Indian team. But he did not make it a prestige issue and resigned from captaincy (which is considered to be a dream of every player) to avoid a split in the team. Besides this, he has never spoken about himself or his achievements.

Like every other celebrity, he also has his share of critics. They always accuse him of playing for records, money, fame, sponsors, etc. But they still forget he was our one-man army once upon a time. India was fully dependent on him. He may be the biggest sports brand in Indian history, but it is not his fault if the media makes him a God or any company pays him to endorse its products.

He never approached those brands. At the same time he is playing well too. If you ignore the recent Sri Lanka series, you will find he has scored runs in the previous tournaments also. In the tour to Down Under, he scored two important hundreds in the Tests and two crucial knocks in the finals of the tri-series, which eventually helped India to win a tri-series for the first time in Down Under.

So is there any reason why he should be dropped? May be because people expect him to hit a century in every match, only then his performance is considered good by those people.

He also seems to be the most popular and respected player among his team mates. If you look at the past, we will see Gavaskar and Kapil Dev always wanted to oust each other. Then when Azharuddin came to power, he removed Srikanth and Vengsarkar. Next, during Tendulkar’s captaincy, he fired Azharuddin. Ganguly always showed more favour towards Harbhajan keeping Kumble out of the squad. Dravid, with the help of Chappel dropped Ganguly.

Now Dhoni removed Dravid and Ganguly. But one thing you will notice, nobody had the guts to drop the Little Master. His mere presence in the team seems to give confidence to his team mates and scare the opponents, regardless how bad his form is in.

So leaving out these critics, you will find every intellectual and every cricket legend has admired him. So truly this makes him the God of World Cricket.

What is so special about Tendulkar?

Well, now Aussie legend Shane Warne has released the book, ‘Shane Warne’s Century’ which rates Sachin Tendulkar numero uno. But what is the specialty Sachin Tendulkar has? Where does he outscore his competitors? There are many answers.

HE IS worshiped as the God in a cricket-driven country. His opponents once used to feel, somehow if they can send him back to the pavilion, then half of their work is done. After his departure, everyone in India used to switch-off their televisions. As long as he used to bat, everyone prayed for him. This was the power Sachin Tendulkar had once.

He holds many records in both Tests and one-day international matches (ODIs). He has the maximum runs in international cricket, besides scoring maximum centuries in international formats. He is about to break his one time rival, Brian Lara’s record of highest run aggregate in Tests. He also has the maximum Man of the Match awards in ODIs.

So are these factors are enough to make him the number one player of his time? The answer is yes. But at the same time he has outscored his contemporary batsmen (perhaps, even players) in the area of attitude.He never played any mind game with any of his counterparts. Instead, he allowed his bat to do all the talking. When he travelled to Australia for the first time in the 1991-92 series, some of the Aussies made fun of him regarding his age.

But after the end of the series, he shut everyone’s mouth. During the 1999 World Cup, he lost his father and he had to rush back home from England eventually missing the match against Zimbabwe. But still he returned to the Indian side in the match versus Kenya, whom India could have easily beaten proving his commitment. Not just this, he even scored a century in that match dedicating it to his late father.

He also seems to have a strong distaste for fights. During his first stint of captaincy, Azharuddin started all sorts of politics against him and divided the Indian team. But he did not make it a prestige issue and resigned from captaincy (which is considered to be a dream of every player) to avoid a split in the team. Besides this, he has never spoken about himself or his achievements.

Like every other celebrity, he also has his share of critics. They always accuse him of playing for records, money, fame, sponsors, etc. But they still forget he was our one-man army once upon a time. India was fully dependent on him. He may be the biggest sports brand in Indian history, but it is not his fault if the media makes him a God or any company pays him to endorse its products.

He never approached those brands. At the same time he is playing well too. If you ignore the recent Sri Lanka series, you will find he has scored runs in the previous tournaments also. In the tour to Down Under, he scored two important hundreds in the Tests and two crucial knocks in the finals of the tri-series, which eventually helped India to win a tri-series for the first time in Down Under.

So is there any reason why he should be dropped? May be because people expect him to hit a century in every match, only then his performance is considered good by those people.

He also seems to be the most popular and respected player among his team mates. If you look at the past, we will see Gavaskar and Kapil Dev always wanted to oust each other. Then when Azharuddin came to power, he removed Srikanth and Vengsarkar. Next, during Tendulkar’s captaincy, he fired Azharuddin. Ganguly always showed more favour towards Harbhajan keeping Kumble out of the squad. Dravid, with the help of Chappel dropped Ganguly.

Now Dhoni removed Dravid and Ganguly. But one thing you will notice, nobody had the guts to drop the Little Master. His mere presence in the team seems to give confidence to his team mates and scare the opponents, regardless how bad his form is in.

So leaving out these critics, you will find every intellectual and every cricket legend has admired him. So truly this makes him the God of World Cricket.

Sachin the invincible

The present Sachin is more disciplined and a constructive player. After crossing the age of 30 he started bringing changes in his way of batting. He started adopting a more constructive way of playing than playing in an aggressive manner.

SACHIN AS the name itself says a lot when it comes to cricket. Sachin Tendulkar as we all know is considered as the cricketing god not only by our own people but by people all over the globe. It is such an honour to have such a player in one’s own country. The rare quality, charisma which a true sportsmen needs to possess is in him.

He plays the game in a way that seems that its not so difficult playing the game. Great players do make the game seem easier that is why they have been ranked higher than the others. Sachin has proved to be a promising young player right from the period when he went on to score an unbeaten 119 against England at Old Trafford Manchester and eventually that knock of his saved the game for his country.

He has always been a delight to watch. The moment he enters the field there is a huge expectation in the crowd. The people all over India set their TVs on just to see this great legend performing .In the early 90’s there was a need for Sachin to perform hard because at that time when this great maestro got out almost half the Indian supporters would make their way home.

At that time there would be hardly any player in that team who would exploit the opposition’s game plan. Sachin was like a god at that time carrying a billion expectations. He was burdened with a lot of expectation each and every time he played the game.

People forgot that cricket is not an individual game but a team game. Each and every player’s contribution in the team accounts for victory.

The present Sachin is more disciplined and a constructive player. After crossing the age of 30 he started bringing changes in his way of batting. He started adopting a more constructive way of playing than playing in an aggressive manner that he use to play in the past. When asked about his change in style he said that earlier when he used to play casually and aggressively many advised him to play in a more defensive way so that he could also stay on the crease for a longer period and now when he is playing defensively the same people are pleading with him to play in the way he use to play before. So, he decided not to confuse himself and stick to his disciplined batting.

He began at the age of 16 in the year 1988. The he was just like a small kid in the team playing amongst great players like Sunil Gavaskar, Srikant, Kapil Dev among others. The kid turned out to be the greatest and registered his name among all greats in the history of cricket. He is the greatest ever batsmen of all times and will remain so in the coming days.

Sachin the invincible

The present Sachin is more disciplined and a constructive player. After crossing the age of 30 he started bringing changes in his way of batting. He started adopting a more constructive way of playing than playing in an aggressive manner.

SACHIN AS the name itself says a lot when it comes to cricket. Sachin Tendulkar as we all know is considered as the cricketing god not only by our own people but by people all over the globe. It is such an honour to have such a player in one’s own country. The rare quality, charisma which a true sportsmen needs to possess is in him.

He plays the game in a way that seems that its not so difficult playing the game. Great players do make the game seem easier that is why they have been ranked higher than the others. Sachin has proved to be a promising young player right from the period when he went on to score an unbeaten 119 against England at Old Trafford Manchester and eventually that knock of his saved the game for his country.

He has always been a delight to watch. The moment he enters the field there is a huge expectation in the crowd. The people all over India set their TVs on just to see this great legend performing .In the early 90’s there was a need for Sachin to perform hard because at that time when this great maestro got out almost half the Indian supporters would make their way home.

At that time there would be hardly any player in that team who would exploit the opposition’s game plan. Sachin was like a god at that time carrying a billion expectations. He was burdened with a lot of expectation each and every time he played the game.

People forgot that cricket is not an individual game but a team game. Each and every player’s contribution in the team accounts for victory.

The present Sachin is more disciplined and a constructive player. After crossing the age of 30 he started bringing changes in his way of batting. He started adopting a more constructive way of playing than playing in an aggressive manner that he use to play in the past. When asked about his change in style he said that earlier when he used to play casually and aggressively many advised him to play in a more defensive way so that he could also stay on the crease for a longer period and now when he is playing defensively the same people are pleading with him to play in the way he use to play before. So, he decided not to confuse himself and stick to his disciplined batting.

He began at the age of 16 in the year 1988. The he was just like a small kid in the team playing amongst great players like Sunil Gavaskar, Srikant, Kapil Dev among others. The kid turned out to be the greatest and registered his name among all greats in the history of cricket. He is the greatest ever batsmen of all times and will remain so in the coming days.

Tendulkar misses record as India save first cricket Test

Sachin Tendulkar scored a match-saving 49 to help India avert defeat in the first Test against Australia on Monday but fell short of a world record.

India were set a victory target of 299 runs in 83 overs but finished with 177-4 before bad light forced the match to be abandoned as a draw after tea on the fifth day at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Tendulkar was caught in the covers off debutant spinner Cameron White just 15 short of surpassing retired West Indian Brian Lara’s tally of 11,953 runs as Test cricket’s leading run-getter.

Even as he neared the record, the 35-year-old vehemently protested to the umpires about allowing play to continue in fading light and walked away in disgust after becoming White’s first Test victim.

Umpires Rudi Koertzen of South Africa and Asad Rauf of Pakistan suspended play six overs after Tendulkar’s dismissal, only to return 40 minutes later when the light improved marginally.

Tendulkar ended the game with a career tally of 11,939 runs and is expected to overtake Lara when the second of four Tests opens in Mohali on Friday.

Tendulkar, who walked in to bat with India struggling at 24-2 before lunch, put on 53 for the third wicket with Gautam Gambhir and 61 for the fourth with Venkatsai Laxman.

Some 15,000 home fans cheered every run by the 151-Test veteran, who defied the Australians for three hours to take India to safety.

Laxman (42 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (26 not out) saw out the remaining session, which was marked by frequent interruptions for poor light before the match was called off with 10 overs remaining.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting conceded India did well to save the game, but was satisfied the way his team played the Test.

“It is always difficult to start a series in India, so I am happy the way we played this one,” said Ponting, who scored his first century on Indian soil in the game.

“I thought we had a good chance to force a win today but full credit to India who batted very well.

“This was a good wicket to play on because there was some bounce till the end. I think we need to improve in a few areas and now have two days to refresh ourselves for Mohali.”

Indian captain Anil Kumble said his team may have won the Test if he had won the toss.

“The toss definitely played a crucial role because Australia had the best of batting conditions on the first day,” said Kumble.

“I think it was fantastic on our part to come back so well after that. We had a great chance yesterday to keep the Aussies down but I have no complaints.

“Our fast bowlers were great and that gives me hope for the three Tests to follow.”

Indian left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan, who took five wickets in the first innings and top-scored with 57 batting at number nine, was named the man of the match.

Australia, who resumed at the overnight score of 193-5, declared their second innings at 228-6 half-an-hour after the start to give their bowlers a minimum of 83 overs to dismiss India.

Tendulkar misses record as India save first cricket Test

Sachin Tendulkar scored a match-saving 49 to help India avert defeat in the first Test against Australia on Monday but fell short of a world record.

India were set a victory target of 299 runs in 83 overs but finished with 177-4 before bad light forced the match to be abandoned as a draw after tea on the fifth day at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Tendulkar was caught in the covers off debutant spinner Cameron White just 15 short of surpassing retired West Indian Brian Lara’s tally of 11,953 runs as Test cricket’s leading run-getter.

Even as he neared the record, the 35-year-old vehemently protested to the umpires about allowing play to continue in fading light and walked away in disgust after becoming White’s first Test victim.

Umpires Rudi Koertzen of South Africa and Asad Rauf of Pakistan suspended play six overs after Tendulkar’s dismissal, only to return 40 minutes later when the light improved marginally.

Tendulkar ended the game with a career tally of 11,939 runs and is expected to overtake Lara when the second of four Tests opens in Mohali on Friday.

Tendulkar, who walked in to bat with India struggling at 24-2 before lunch, put on 53 for the third wicket with Gautam Gambhir and 61 for the fourth with Venkatsai Laxman.

Some 15,000 home fans cheered every run by the 151-Test veteran, who defied the Australians for three hours to take India to safety.

Laxman (42 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (26 not out) saw out the remaining session, which was marked by frequent interruptions for poor light before the match was called off with 10 overs remaining.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting conceded India did well to save the game, but was satisfied the way his team played the Test.

“It is always difficult to start a series in India, so I am happy the way we played this one,” said Ponting, who scored his first century on Indian soil in the game.

“I thought we had a good chance to force a win today but full credit to India who batted very well.

“This was a good wicket to play on because there was some bounce till the end. I think we need to improve in a few areas and now have two days to refresh ourselves for Mohali.”

Indian captain Anil Kumble said his team may have won the Test if he had won the toss.

“The toss definitely played a crucial role because Australia had the best of batting conditions on the first day,” said Kumble.

“I think it was fantastic on our part to come back so well after that. We had a great chance yesterday to keep the Aussies down but I have no complaints.

“Our fast bowlers were great and that gives me hope for the three Tests to follow.”

Indian left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan, who took five wickets in the first innings and top-scored with 57 batting at number nine, was named the man of the match.

Australia, who resumed at the overnight score of 193-5, declared their second innings at 228-6 half-an-hour after the start to give their bowlers a minimum of 83 overs to dismiss India.

Sachin Tendulkar falls shy of Brian Lara’s record

Brian Lara will remain the leading scorer in Test cricket for a few more days after Sachin Tendulkar failed to make the 64 runs he needed yesterday to overhaul the former West Indies batsman in the drawn first Test against Australia in Bangalore. However, Tendulkar did make 49 in almost three hours to guide India to safety.

Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s second innings on 228 for six after five overs of the final day, setting India 299 to win, but, after losing Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid early on the home team were content to bat out time for a draw. Tendulkar added 61 in 26 overs with V. V. S. Laxman before giving Cameron White his first Test wicket by driving to short cover.

India had their tailenders to thank for ensuring that Australia did not run away with the match after making 430 in the first innings. India were 232 for seven in their first innings, but Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan made their fifth and second Test fifties respectively to cut the deficit to 70.

Zaheer, who also took six wickets, was named man of the match and then criticised Australia’s bowlers for being ineffective. “They know they can’t take 20 wickets and they are on the back foot,” he said. “We are in with a big chance. They are under pressure.” The second Test starts in Mohali on Friday.

Sachin Tendulkar falls shy of Brian Lara’s record

Brian Lara will remain the leading scorer in Test cricket for a few more days after Sachin Tendulkar failed to make the 64 runs he needed yesterday to overhaul the former West Indies batsman in the drawn first Test against Australia in Bangalore. However, Tendulkar did make 49 in almost three hours to guide India to safety.

Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s second innings on 228 for six after five overs of the final day, setting India 299 to win, but, after losing Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid early on the home team were content to bat out time for a draw. Tendulkar added 61 in 26 overs with V. V. S. Laxman before giving Cameron White his first Test wicket by driving to short cover.

India had their tailenders to thank for ensuring that Australia did not run away with the match after making 430 in the first innings. India were 232 for seven in their first innings, but Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan made their fifth and second Test fifties respectively to cut the deficit to 70.

Zaheer, who also took six wickets, was named man of the match and then criticised Australia’s bowlers for being ineffective. “They know they can’t take 20 wickets and they are on the back foot,” he said. “We are in with a big chance. They are under pressure.” The second Test starts in Mohali on Friday.