Sachin Tendulkar reveals how he countered Allan Donald’s short-pitched bowling
Throughout his legendary career, Sachin Tendulkar was up against some of the most formidable bowlers of all time. From Muttiah Muralitharan to Shane Warne and from Wasim Akram to Dale Steyn, the Indian batting maestro has duelled with bowling champions. Ahead of India’s tour of South Africa, Tendulkar relived the memories of him adopting a unique way to counter Allan Donald.
Speaking to Boria Mujumdar on the chat show ‘Backstage with Boria’, Tendulkar revealed how he tackled the constant short-pitch bowling from the South African pacer.
“Allan Donald was known for his hostility and his aggression on the field. So when not much was happening over the wicket, he would come round the wicket. He would attack my rib cage and try to get me out there. I then tried to get under the ball. I shifted my centre of gravity lower and started going under the ball so anything around my rib cage, I could duck,” Tendulkar said.
VVS Laxman, who was playing in his maiden overseas Test tour in South Africa in 1996-97, had previously spoken about this incredible approach. Usually, batsmen try out these different strategies in the nets and then carry out them in the game once they are confident. However, according to Laxman, Tendulkar altered his stance during the throwdowns and employed the new stance in the Test match. This was against a formidable bowling attack that consisted of Donald, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener, Brian McMillan and co.
“I started going under the ball and it became easier. Allan Donald bowled quick – he was called ‘white lightning’. Because of his pace and the bounce that he was generating, I felt even if the ball is just short of good length, I can duck under it. And to be able to do that consistently, I widened my stance and went even lower in my stance. Then it was all about picking the length. If I picked the length (correctly), I was already in the position and it became easier to go down,” Tendulkar added.
The Master Blaster has scored five Test centuries in South Africa – most by a visiting batsman. Tendulkar’s innings of 169 in Cape Town in the 1996-97 series is considered among one of his finest Test knocks. After South Africa had piled up 529/7, India were staring down the barrel at 58/5. Then Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin launched an incredible assault while adding 222 runs. Tendulkar also spoke about the marvellous catch that Adam Bacher took to dismiss him. Watch the complete interaction here.
Inspirational as always. The master on batting, bowling, strategy and more in South Africa, nostalgia and storytelling that will make this Christmas memorable. Huge endorsement for the Indian team. @sachin on Backstage with Boria. Don’t miss it. https://t.co/OVh7tj6hyl
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 23, 2021
