Focussed on preparation, not on hundred, says Sachin

Despite standing on the threshhold of history, champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar seemed unfazed by the media attention and the anticipation around his 50th Test century.“I believe it is destiny. When it is destined to happen it will happen. I am not thinking too much about it. My focus is on preparation,” Tendulkar said.

Should he score a ton in the three-match Test series against South Africa beginning today, the iconic batsman from India  would become the first man in the history of Test cricket to get to the coveted landmark.

Tendulkar, however, preferred to focus on the match and not personal landmarks. “For me one thing is very important and that is to get acclimatized to local weather conditions,” Tendulkar said as world number one prepare to face second best South Africa. “Preparations have been spot on and the lengthy practice session has given us that opportunity (to get acclimatised). “We have had good net sessions under the guidance of coach Gary (Kirsten),” he said.

Tendulkar pointed out that like ica will also have their task cut out as the series heralds the beginning of the season for the Proteas. “In South Africa, players and critics always talk about getting used to pace and bounce of wickets here.

For them this is going to be the start of the season, so wickets are going to be a lot fresher,” Tendulkar said. Talking about conditions in the Rainbow nation, Tendulkar said that one has to be extra careful in a high-altitude belt like Johannesburg.

“While playing in Johannesburg you have to be extra careful. That is in high altitude area, so supply of oxygen is a bit of a problem,” he said.