Tendulkar
This landmark started the series as an interesting subplot. Maybe the one-sided nature of the contests has contributed to the fervent Tendulkar-watch, but it has been afforded unnecessary significance as the summer has worn on.
Sentiment exists in cricket without it being manufactured. The Indian legend has achieved so much in cricket that one more 100 should not really matter. In a sport that acknowledges personal milestones more than others it is certainly statistically significant, but the feat should not define Tendulkar’s career.
We should dig beneath the surface of impressive numbers to evaluate Tendulkar. The failed captaincy; the refusal to bat anywhere other than number four; the unpleasant Dennis Amiss episode in South Africa. There are plenty of reasons for the most productive batsman of all time not to be fawned over, but his deification persists.
The outpouring of goodwill from all quarters felt incongruous with the heat of battle that is supposed to be Test cricket. The umpires who rejected some very strong LBW decisions did not mean to contribute to this, nor did the England fielders who spilled catches and failed to appeal when needed. The overall impression was nonetheless one of ‘I hope Sachin gets his ton’. Punters Betting online also seemed to have the same thoughts.
Rahul Dravid’s innings – one of the best ‘carried bats’ ever - was overshadowed even without Tendulkar reaching three figures. This sums up Dravid’s lot in India, not that the selfless team man is bothered.
To be fair to Tendulkar he would rather have saved the match than score his 100th ton. The sycophantic reception given by the English public might not have been 100% well-received; perhaps some of the unpleasant abuse meted out to Ricky Ponting on his farewell tour – a more productive Test batsman in England – might have spurred him on more. Tendulkar, like this observer, might feel that the hero worship should be saved for testimonial matches, not Tests.
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