18 October, 2008

India batsman Sachin Tendulkar described becoming the greatest run-scorer in Test cricket as a 'fantastic feeling' after reaching the milestone in the second Test against Australia on Friday.

The diminutive batsman, known as the 'Little Master', hit Peter Siddle for three with the first ball after tea in Mohali to reach 11,956 runs, surpassing former West Indies legend Brian Lara's previous record by two.

"It is definitely the biggest record of my career because it has taken me almost 19 years to get there and the journey has been fantastic," said Tendulkar, who is also the leading run-scorer in one-day internationals, having amassed 16,361 in 417 matches.

"The feeling is fantastic."

"I was trying to just focus on the game but every now and then it was there in front of me."

"I decided to just keep it simple and just keep watching the ball, keep my eyes on it and keep alert."

It was widely expected that Tendulkar would break the record in the first Test in Bangalore, and asked if he was disappointed to be out for 49 in that match, leaving him 15 runs short, he replied: "No, not really."

"When I was out for 49 in the first Test I thought the most important thing was to save the Test match."

"We lost a couple of early wickets and (staying in) was more important than the record. I was relieved and knew I had done a good job."

The record-clinching runs on Friday prompted fireworks and tumultuous celebrations in the Mohali Stadium, but Tendulkar said he tried not to let it distract him as India were 4-177 and in a promising position against Ricky Ponting's side.

"I was not that excited to be honest because the focus was to continue and not lose concentration."

"Yes, it was a big moment but I had to concentrate and make sure me and Sourav Ganguly had a big partnership."

The 35-year-old was eventually out for 88 just before stumps, leaving the hosts on 5-311 after day one.

He added: "It is disappointing that I got out. The goal was to stay there until the end but it didn't happen."

"I got a good ball and maybe I had a lack of footwork."

Tendulkar's achievements, which include being the leading run-scorer at the 1996 World Cup and the player of the tournament at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, have won him a host of accolades from the Indian government, including becoming the first cricketer to be awarded the country's highest sporting honour - the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1997.

Players past and present from the cricket world were queuing up to laud Tendulkar on Friday, with India's chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth saying: "To have an Indian as the highest run-getter is an honour."


"When you know that an Indian is number one in the world, it gives you a great sense of pride."

Roger Binny, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team added: "Sachin getting to this landmark record is a very proud moment for us."

"I'm sure it will have a great effect on the other batters who will try and achieve his consistency, his hard work and his confidence."

"He has played against some terrific fast bowlers in the world and he took them on so confidently. That has been his strength."