This was one gem missing from Sachin’s 42-carat crown

Sunday’s knock will always hold a special place for Tendulkar as it was his first One Day International hundred in Australia
SYDNEY: At the Bradman Museum on Saturday, Sachin Tendulkar had a feel of the Don’s bat. He did a bit of shadow batting too. The very next day, Tendulkar scored his first ODI century in Australia.
A coincidence it was, but an inescapable coincidence.
Tendulkar himself did not fail to miss the point. “It was an experience to hold Sir Don’s bat, the one that he actually played with. It was a special moment. I would always remember that in my life. It’s nice to follow that up with a hundred. To score a 100 in Australia was something I always wanted to do and to get that at a special occasion makes you feel nice. To be honest, I did want that hundred,” he said after his match-winning knock on Sunday.
It was a masterly knock, one that gave India a 1-0 lead over Australia and helped silence critics. Tendulkar, however, is not bothered. “I don’t worry too much about criticism. Sometimes people talk about it because they have not been able to do certain things. My job is to play so I let them talk and keep quiet themselves,” he said.
But he was more happy for India’s win rather than for his first century in Australia. “Beating Australia in Australia is a special thing. It was extremely important for me to play well, considering that this was a final,” he said.
Being the senior-most member of the team, he has been a mentor to the youngsters. But he also allows the youngsters to pull his legs. “I think these guys are extremely talented and have a terrific future. Being the senior player, it is my responsibility to guide them but then it’s up to them whether to take it or not. But we share our jokes and they are allowed to pull my leg.”