Only Bradman better than Sachin: Michael Clarke

Sydney, Nov 15 (IANS) Australia captain Michael Clarke feels Sachin Tendulkar‘s greatness is second only to Don Bradman and surviving international cricket for around 25 years is the biggest achievement of the master blaster.

“So much has been said and written about Sachin’s achievements over years,” Clarke wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph Friday.

“His record number of Test and one-day runs, his century of international centuries. They are achievements that may never be bettered.”

“However, I believe his greatest achievement is playing international cricket for almost a quarter of a century. That is phenomenal. To be lining up for his 200th Test is mind boggling. It highlights an undying affection for the game that goes way beyond just playing,” he said of the 40-year-old who is playing his farewell Test against the West Indies in Mumbai.

Clarke, who is set to lead Australia in the Ashes series starting in Brisbane Nov 21, said he was amazed at Tendulkar’s career which began with the tour of Pakistan in 1989.

“I was still at primary school when he began his Test career and later scored two centuries on his first tour of Australia as an 18-year-old,” Clarke recalled.

“I played my first Test series against him almost a decade ago and through my whole career have never really thought about him as an ageing player. I can’t believe he is 40.”

“Sachin has done it all, carrying an unimaginable weight of expectation.”

Clarke said the Indian icon was the best batsman of the modern era.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play with and against some great batsmen but there have been none better than Sachin in my time.”

“Given everything he has done, Sachin would have to be the second best batsman of all time after the incomparable Bradman. You would never know it speaking to him.”