Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Every time he would walk in to bat this series, Sachin Tendulkar has got a standing ovation. Australians adore and respect him 8211; almost in the same vein as their revered Don Bradman. Today, Tendulkar first saluted the Australian fascination with the bat, scoring a majestic unbeaten hundred, and then simplified the feelings in words.
Excerpts
On getting a hundred at Adelaide:
8220;I knew that Adelaide hasn8217;t been a great ground for me. In 1999, I scored 65 runs here and that was my best, so I was determined to get a big one here. It also happens to be Sir Don8217;s home ground. So I am very pleased to have got a hundred at this venue. Any century is special but when the team really needs one, it means more.
On the quality of this innings:
This innings was a special one because I could play according to the merit of the ball. When I needed to defend, I did that. When I wanted to hit, I could do that as well.
The first straight drive off Brett Lee gave me a lot of confidence. I middled the ball and the shot went exactly where I wanted it to go. So I took it from there. There are days when you are moving well, days when you middle the ball, you just need to wait for that moment.
On the standing ovation through the series:
8220;It8217;s truly special; sometimes I need to look at the scoreboard to figure out whether I8217;m 100-plus or zero. It means a lot to me and makes my trip very special.8221;
On his assault against Brad Hogg:
8220;There were patches he bowled well and there were patches when I felt I could put the ball away. But it wasn8217;t a calculated move, when I hit for a six, the wind was behind me, so I thought even if I mistimed it, it would carry. But I wasn8217;t out there to target him.8221;
