Courtesy of ThatsCricket and The Advertiser, 12 October 2012
Australia captain Michael Clarke paid rich tributes to the retiring
Sachin Tendulkar , calling him the second best batsman in cricket history after
Sir Don Bradman. Tendulkar announced his retirement from international cricket
on Thursday (October 10). The Master Blaster will play two more Tests,
completing a historic 200 next month against West Indies in Mumbai before he
bids adieu to the game. He has played at the highest level for 24 years.
Clarke, who has played against Tendulkar on several occasions since making Test
debut against India in Bangalore in 2004, saluted the batsman writing a tribute
to him in “Herald Sun” newspaper. “…the only conclusion to
draw is that he (Sachin Tendulkar) is the best batsman the world has seen since
The Don (Bradman),”
Clarke wrote. “No one has ever or will ever match
Bradman’s Test average of 99.96. And I don’t think anyone will surpass
Tendulkar’s record of 200 Test appearances when he retires after next month’s
series against the West Indies,” he added. The right-hander said
Tendulkar’s longevity and consistency were astonishing. “His longevity and
consistency over 24 years has been astonishing”. “I’m not a huge
believer in statistics, but it was hard not to be impressed when Sachin posted
his 100th international century earlier this year. Many batsmen would be happy
to post just one Test or ODI ton in their career, given how difficult they are
to compile.” He concluded by saying he will miss watching Tendulkar play.
And there will never be a batsman like him. “We will only see one Sachin
Tendulkar in our lifetime. While India go on to produce many great cricketers –
including the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag – no one will
rival Tendulkar for longevity or public adoration. “I’ll miss watching
him. I won’t miss playing against him.”