Date:07/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/07/stories/2008110761221900.htm

Sport

A satisfying century: Tendulkar

Special Correspondent

— Photo: S. Subramanium

JUMPING FOR JOY: Jason Krejza (centre) celebrates after getting Rahul Dravid’s wicket.

Nagpur: Sachin Tendulkar was delighted with his 40th Test century, not just for the satisfaction it afforded him (despite the dropped chances), but also its contextual significance.

“Obviously if you score a century in an important game it also benefits the team,” said Tendulkar after the first day of the fourth Test here at the new VCA Stadium. “It was important that I got going because we had lost a couple of wickets and even Sehwag got out after that. Between me and Laxman it was important that we put up a good partnership and we were successful in doing that.”

Asked if he was relieved to finally make a century after the one in Adelaide in January, Tendulkar said, “I don’t think that is everything. As you have seen in this Test series, I have gone in almost four or five times in crucial situations and I have been able to play.

“That is very satisfying when you deliver when the team needs the most and that is what I have been able to do in this series.”

Position of affairs

How did he see the position of affairs? “I won’t say we are in a brilliant position but definitely we are in a decent position,” replied the 35-year-old. “I think five wickets were too much today, three would have been okay. The spinners are getting bounce so I think in a day or two it will be difficult to play the spinners.”

Jason Krejza, who missed throwing the stumps down with Tendulkar on 74, before having the great man dropped twice, said he was chuffed with his first day of Test cricket.

“I trust myself in what I bowl and that’s what I did,” he said. “Patience is the key here and now it’s starting to shine through, so I’m very pleased. Getting a few (three) wickets is great as well.”

How did the session with Bishen Bedi help? “That was good to have someone of his stature, he is a legend obviously, and for him to be backing you as a spinner was the confidence boost needed.

“It was more about relaxing. You can get little bit on edge, with expecting the wicket to turn, so it was about relaxing to keep hitting your areas,” he said.