Tendulkar's 'ton' of agony
London: In the end, it was not to be. India and the world will have to wait to see the much awaited 100th international century. After raising hopes of recording the mega milestone, Sachin Tendulkar fell agonisingly short of the mark on Monday. It left a packed Oval stadium disappointed and a billion hopes shattered.
A series without a Tendulkar century is as incomplete as Wimbledon without strawberries but then it is not always as it ought to be. The Little Master has hit such a statistical low twice in a row here in England. He had returned 'empty-handed' from the three-Test series in 2007. Now again, in 2011.
On Monday, he had one last chance. But Tendulkar's gallant effort was not enough. He was out for 91 after surviving some close calls. His dismissal ended India's resistance and they went on to lose 4-0.
The 172-ball knock did not bear the signs of typical Tendulkar class but it bore the stamp of Tendulkar's desire. He dug deep and tried to save the Test for India. But he was unlucky to have got a dubious leg-before decision from Australian umpire Rod Tucker. But then, he had a couple of reprieves as well.
Tendulkar was playing probably his last Test in England and on Monday, he had a perfect stage to sign it off in style. He rose to the occasion and showed the glimpses of the impeccable qualities that made him the best batsman in the world.
On a fast wearing wicket, he was prepared to tackle the caprices of the wicket. He had an obliging partner in Amit Mishra and Tendulkar flourished.
At some stages of the day, he looked guilty of being too cautious allowing Graeme Swann to dictate terms. Particularly if one looked at the pro-active approach Mishra adopted to Swann. In contrast, Tendulkar dithered in his gameplan. But then, he was not playing for his century.
The primary goal was to save the Test. Mishra would have escaped unscathed but for a poor shot. Tendulkar would have faced public scrutiny. He would have succeeded in achieving the dual goals but then, it was not to be.
The innings, however, proved that Tendulkar can grind himself and maintain his reputation as one of the most prized wickets in the world cricket.
Resuming at 35, Tendulkar showed enormous restraint on Monday. He survived the first session with unremitting self-belief and determination. For the first time in the series, he looked comfortable. He read the ball well, played his shots. He also guided Mishra on how to handle the situation.
In the process, Tendulkar got a few reprieves, one by Alastair Cook at the forward short leg and another by Matt Prior behind the wickets. The English commentators even believed that he was lucky not to have been given out leg before on a couple of occasions during the day.
But in the end, he was not lucky enough to get to the milestone and, more importantly, save the Test for India.
News Posted: 23 August, 2011
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