Sachin Tendulkar looks back at how one of his best innings was cut short due to ‘umpiring error’
The ‘Master Blaster’ who is often touted as someone who does not like talking about cricketing issues and dressing rooms secrets has been quite vocal in the past couple of months. From giving out the reason behind MS Dhoni’s promotion ahead of Yuvraj Singh in World Cup 2011 to the planning during his infamous ‘desert storm’ innings against Australia, Sachin has tried to open up for his fans. Keeping up with the same practice, the 47-year-old looked back on an ODI against West Indies in which his innings was abbreviated because of an ‘umpiring error’.
While umpiring errors before the DRS came to play- in which Tendulkar played most of his cricket – was nothing out of the ordinary but he hardly ever brought it up in open.
The Master Blaster reminisced about an ODI against the Windies in 1997 which is also regarded as one of his finest innings in which he did not score a century or a half-century.
The Indian batting legend stated that he had made up his mind to attack the West Indies bowling attack which consisted of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop and Franklin Rose.
“Another innings I cherish is the first one-day international between West Indies and India at Trinidad in 1997. We batted first, and the weather was overcast, with the wicket damp in the morning. Not only was the wicket challenging to bat on, their bowling attack was extremely good as well. Their pace battery consisted of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop and Franklin Rose,” Sachin told cricket.com.
Suchin, who was the captain back then, knocked 44 runs off 43 balls with 10 fours but was given caught behind of Ambrose which he dubbed as an umpiring error.
“I was able to counterattack and score quick 44 runs, before getting out to Ambrose caught behind on what was an umpiring error. It was a rain-curtailed match and we lost the match, but purely for the tough conditions in which one had to bat on, I rank that innings as one of my favourites,” added Sachin.
Taking the crease first, the men in blue were bundled out for 179 as Ambrose scalped four wickets. In response the Caribbean side reached the revised target of 146 in just 27.3 overs with 8 wickets left.
Sachin Tendulkar also called to mind his two innings against the Aussies- one in ICC Champions Trophy in 2000 and the other in 2001 in a bilateral series.
“There was an over where I attacked McGrath and managed to hit three boundaries and a six. The idea was to not let him settle, and the plan had largely worked. I eventually got run out for 35 runs in that match but I was in good form to continue otherwise.
I cannot forget the match against Australia in the ICC Champions Knockout Trophy in Nairobi in 2000 as well. The plan was to get him angry and make him attack my body instead of looking to get me out. We were beaten on occasions but also were able to make McGrath bowl where we wanted. I made a quick-fire 38 and this came in a winning cause so I was very happy,” added Sachin.
