Wait for 100th century goes on as Tendulkar falls for 94

Cricket’s “Little Master” will have to wait a little longer to claim one of the sport’s most-anticipated milestones.

Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed only one big hit away from becoming the first batsman to score 100 international centuries when he fell for 94 during the third Test yesterday against West Indies in Mubai.

Tendulkar already holds most of cricket’s major batting records, including the most runs and centuries in both tests and one-day internationals, as well as the highest ODI score – 200 not out against South Africa last year. He is increasingly compared with Australian great, the late Donald Bradman, whose batting average of 99.94 is well ahead of all others in the 134-year history of test cricket. It was Bradman who once said that Tendulkar is the batsman who most reminded him of his own playing style.

Tendulkar could still reach the milestone in India if he is picked for the final two matches of an upcoming five-game ODI series against West Indies. He has been rested for the opening three fixtures and the team for the last two will be selected at a later date. Otherwise, he’ll have to bide his time until the tour of Australia, starting in December, for a chance to achieve a feat that all of India wants for him.

Resuming on 67 at his home ground of Wankhede Stadium, Tendulkar Tendulkar faced 20 deliveries in the morning session and smashed a total of eight fours and two sixes in a 153-ball knock. He was tantalisingly close to his century when he edged a delivery from pace bowler Ravi Rampaul early on the fourth day. West Indies captain Darren Sammy jumped up in jubilation on taking the catch at second slip, while Tendulkar cut a dejected figure as he looked sideways in disappointment before trudging off the ground.

The crowd, which had been urging him on with chants of “Sach-in, Sach-in,” was reduced to a stunned silence.

“I know a lot of fans are down, heartbroken. But we can’t just let him get out there and live freely,” Rampaul said.

Tendulkar’s 100th century has been anticipated since he notched two 100s during this year’s World Cup to reach a total of 99. This is the second time he’s been out in the 90s in pursuit of the milestone, after scoring 91 at The Oval during India’s tour of England this year.

Ravichandran Ashwin achieved what Tendulkar couldn’t, scoring a hundred as the Test against West Indies looked headed for a draw with the visitors leading by 189 runs with eight wickets and one day left.