Sachin Tendulkar reveals the story behind his 241 not out innings in Sydney
As evident from his illustrious record, Sachin Tendulkar dominated the bowlers on almost every cricket ground. However, the Master Blaster had a special bond with the Sydney Cricket Ground. In five Test matches that he played at this charming venue, Tendulkar struck three centuries and two half-centuries. And of those three Test hundreds, the one that stands out the most is his monk-like disciplined innings of 241 not out in 2004. In his latest video upload, the Master Blaster has revealed the secret behind the outstanding innings.
When asked about the mental approach for the Sydney innings, Tendulkar dived down the memory pool. Before that Australia tour in 2003-04, the legendary batsman was in his elements and fairly confident for his and his team’s chances down under. India had a good bowling attack and Tendulkar felt that they can bring the Australian empire down this time.
However, the batsman was off to a rough start. He received a bad decision in the first Test at Brisbane which affected him mentally. In the third Test, he nicked Brett Lee down the leg side on the first ball he faced. The poor run forced Tendulkar to consider his stroke selection and a conversation with his brother, Ajit Tendulkar helped him immensely.
The Master Blaster realised that his shot selection was letting him down. He decided to put discipline over his natural game. His brother challenged him to stay not out in the Sydney Test and Tendulkar rose to it.
“I went there and I suddenly realised that the bowlers are bowling on the sixth stump. If you are going to keep bowling away from me and frustrate me, then I am going to take this challenge and frustrated you. It’s one vs eleven, let’s see who loses the patience first. I am not going to play a cover drive, that’s how it happened. It happened then and there on the field, ” Tendulkar revealed.
Tendulkar went on to score 241 runs in 436 balls with 33 boundaries, remarkably none of the boundaries coming through the covers region. India posted a mammoth total of 705/7 declared. Australia fell short by 226 runs. In the second innings, Tendulkar once again remained not out while adding 60 runs thus fulfilling his brother’s challenge. Australia batted out the fifth day and the Test was drawn.
