An undisputedly great batsman
Mike Coward writes in the Weekend Australian that the SCG crowd truly appreciated Sachin Tendulkar’s third, and probably last, Test century at the ground.
Brydon Coverdale
25-Feb-2013
Mike Coward writes in the Weekend Australian that the SCG crowd truly appreciated Sachin Tendulkar’s third, and probably last, Test century at the ground.
For 127 years the game's greatest players have celebrated their art at this special place and earned the plaudits of the grateful citizens of the city. But aside from Don Bradman, surely few can have received such a sustained and emotional ovation as that accorded the diminutive giant of the contemporary game, Sachin Tendulkar. When the little maestro completed his second run through cover point to complete his 38th hundred and eighth against Australia, the crowd of 29,358 rose as one to acknowledge not just this innings but his undisputed greatness as a batsman.
Tendulkar's brilliance is also recognised by Peter Roebuck in the Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Baum in the Age and Steve Waugh in the Daily Telegraph.
In the Age, Tim Lane reflects again on the walking debate and says the Australians cannot have it both ways, forcing decisions from umpires and then complaining about bad calls.
And for a piece of history read Mike Coward’s article on the remaining Invincibles watching the Sydney Test.
Wearing thick sunglasses and a badge that announces his vision impairment, [Sam] Loxton declared flippantly: "I'm not going blind, it's just that I can't see." As he looks towards proceedings in the middle from the comfort of the SCG Trust box he relies on his mates [Arthur] Morris and [Neil] Harvey for commentary. And how they relished sharing the news of VVS Laxman's batting on Thursday.
Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here