Sachin will iron out his flaws, says John Wright

John Wright, the former India and New Zealand coach, feels Sachin Tendulkar will iron out his batting flaws and return to form against England.

"If I am not wrong, he gets bowled mostly to left-armers. I remember him getting bowled to West Indies' Pedro Collins too a few years ago. But I don't think there is a technical flaw or a matter of serious concern. He is good enough to overcome these challenges," Wright told The Hindu. Wright was in Hyderabad to promote a scholarship named after him for students from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal in New Zealand's Southern Institute of Technology.

Tendulkar hasn't scored a half-century since the IPL in May this year. He had a poor Champions League T20, scoring 47 runs in four matches at a strike-rate of 71.21. Moreover, of his last nine dismissals, six have been bowled, sparking concerns on his slowing reflexes.

Wright, though, feels he's about to turn the corner. "I am really optimistic of Sachin scoring a century or even a double century. I am sure he will be acutely motivated to have a go at the Englishmen and the Australians later this year."

Wright's views were echoed by Adam Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper, who said that blips in form are unavoidable in a long career like Tendulkar's.

"If you are up for 23 years, at some point of time there will be troughs. I am sure he is aware that he is not at the peak of his career and it is up to him to decide [on his retirement]."

He also joined in the controversy over Tendulkar being named for the Order of Australia award. There has been some criticism of the announcement of the award, made by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard during her visit to India two weeks ago, but Gilchrist was in favour.

"He is a true champion, fantastic for the game and the [Order of Australia] award indicates his high standing in both countries. I sent him a message welcoming him to the club and got a quick reply. We are fortunate to have him," he said. Gilchrist was in Mumbai to launch a scholarship in honour of Donald Bradman for Indian students in the University of Wollongong.