Tendulkar laughs off McGrath threat

“I don’t think it needs any further comment as this (pressure tactics) happens everyday in today’s cricket,” said Tendulkar after the Indians had finished their light exercise session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today.

Coach Kapil Dev did not think it was even worth reacting.

Earlier, Australia’s captain Steve Waugh had hurled the gauntlet at Indian maestro Tendulkar in Perth claiming McGrath fancies his chances against him.

Waugh said his now inspired side would line up his Indian counterpart for special attention for the three-Test series starting at Adelaide on December 10.

Lee raring to go: Brett Lee, rated by most here as the fastest bowler in the world, will be let loose on the Indians when New South Wales meet the tourists in a four-day game on Thursday.

Lee was disappointed at being left out of the final eleven for the Test against Pakistan at Perth. It was a close call which went in favour of Michael Kasprowicz, the Queensland bowler justifying it by claiming seven wickets in the match.

New South Wales have also assured an 18-year-old cricketer of rare promise, Michael Clarke, a place in the team. Clarke, vice-captain of the Australian under-19 side, has been chosen in the NSW side without Test stars Steve and Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Michael Slater. He scored a `Test’ century against England early this year.

Another new fast bowler Jamie Heath has been included as NSW hope to give its promising young players every chance to establish themselves.

The Indians arrived from Brisbane by a morning flight today and had a light session of exercise at the (SCG) in the afternoon.