Two Chances Gone

A hard blog to post, this time, to report that Sachin has again missed his chance at achieving what must be one of his greatest wishes, to celebrate a 100th century at Lords.

In the second innings of this Test match, with India's prospects poor, we were all hoping he could attain the near impossible - all of us: Indians, Australians, South Africans, even Swedes and Chinese - but not the Brits.


Immediately after lunch Tendulkar and Raina come out to massive applause from a standing crowd. During the morning session the noise from the crowd was near deafening after every ball, but in the later session it was all about quiet and expectancy.

Commenting on London’s sunny weather for the match, Cricinfo's Nitin quipped: "Rain gods aren't going to help India. Raina and God might."

But they didn't - and Sachin played too defensively, causing inner tensions, surely.

Facing balls from Tremlett at 132.8 kph – working hard, never harder - with Raina facing similar treatment from Broad at 138.7kph! Swann comes on and ups the ante as far as he’s able, at a reasonable 87.2 kph! He’s pleading for a drive – but Tendulkar focuses on defence.

Cricinfo is definitely a globalising social force when it comes to keeping up with Sachin's play. The text commentary seems to offer a 21st century equivalent of tuning in the crystal/wireless set for radio announcers’ commentaries back in the day. I understand that was more comfy though, perched forward to hear the thud of bat on ball, then relaxing back into a lounge chair before an open fire, with a beer to hand, or a toddy. Or was it just a cup of cocoa?

But now we can also watch on the internet - and we do!
http://crictime.com/server6.htm'

Then suddenly it's all over. Tendulkar's gone to Anderson's skill. Our Sachin walks off the field, head bowed at one point, shy of the honour of a standing ovation shown by admiring spectators who forgive him this lapse.

Only a miracle might one day allow Sachin a third Lords innings ... and it might be some years coming.

Close friend Harsha Bhogle explains that Tendulkar sometimes ‘lapses into defence ... He tells himself I’m going to be here for 12 hrs ... but better to ask questions of the players.’ Harsha's upset for him, clearly, but it's too late, and futile, to chastise.

One keen internet fan tells cricinfo:‘Doing my PHD here in Australia. Have to do some tutoring tomorrow. Am trying to prepare for that. However, can't simply - this Cricinfo commentary is just too addictive. What will I teach my students then?" 'The value of a solid forward defence perhaps?' is the suggestion.

Finally, a defensive focus is of little value without the fire of attacking play.

Tut, tut. Australian university tutors are not so irresponsible about their duties, surely? At least this fellow will now be able to get down to his teaching prep work.

A very sad day for Sachin, for India - and for those who love attacking play, SRT's in particular.

Yet we look forward to the adage, 'he lives to play another day.'

Check out earlier blogs edited into an exclusive ebook at:
Searching for Sachin.

Credit photo cricinfo.