SCG unveils gates named after Tendulkar and Lara

The Sydney Cricket Ground has unveiled a set of gates named after Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara on Monday. They join Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris, all New South Wales (and Australia) legends in being honoured thus at the iconic SCG.

April 24 was chosen as the date to unveil the gates to mark Tendulkar's 50th birthday, and also the 30th anniversary of Lara's 277 at the SCG, his first Test century, though that Test was played in January 1993.

In a statement, Cricket Australia said that the gates, situated between the members pavilion's away dressing room and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand, are the ones visiting players will take to access the field.

"The Sydney Cricket Ground has been my favourite ground away from India," Tendulkar said in the statement. "I have had some great memories at the SCG right from my first tour of Australia in 1991-92. It is a great honour to have the gates used by all visiting cricketers to access the field of play at the SCG named after me and my good friend Brian."

Lara said, "I'm deeply honoured to be recognised at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as I'm sure Sachin is. The ground holds many special memories for me and my family and I always enjoy visiting whenever I'm in Australia."

That innings of 277 remained Lara's highest at the SCG - he totalled 384 runs at the ground in four Tests overall - while Tendulkar had an average of 157 at the SCG, scoring 785 runs in five Tests over the years with three centuries, including the memorable 241 not out in January 2004.

The gates were unveiled by SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Rod McGeoch AO, and CEO Kerrie Mather, as well as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

"Sachin Tendulkar's record at the SCG is simply remarkable, while Brian Lara's maiden Test century remains one of the most celebrated innings by a visiting player," Mather said. "Both players continue to hold a deep affection for the SCG and they remain hugely popular whenever they visit Sydney."

Hockley said, "As the cricketing world celebrates Sachin Tendulkar's 50th birthday, this is a fitting and timely gesture by the SCG to recognise Sachin and Brian Lara as two legends of the international game with exceptional records at the SCG.

"Their feats will no doubt be an inspiration to not only visiting international teams, but all players fortunate enough to walk onto the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, for generations to come."

The West Stand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been named after Sachin Tendulkar on the 25th anniversary of his "Desert Storm" back-to-back centuries. The unveiling of the stand coincided with Tendulkar's 50th birthday.

On April 22 1998, Tendulkar had made a sublime 143 off 131 balls in swirling dust and two days later, he followed it up with 134 off 131 balls to almost single-handedly put the Sharjah tri-nations cup in India's hands.

"I wish I was there but unfortunately I had prior commitments," Tendulkar said. "Playing in Sharjah has always been a magnificent experience. From the electrifying atmosphere to the love, affection and support, Sharjah has been a special venue for Indian cricket fans and lovers of the game from around the globe. It's given us so many special moments. A big thank you to Mr Bukhatir and his team for this kind gesture on the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm match and my 50th birthday. Feels like the greatest 6 of them all!"