Sachin Tendulkar Poised For Century Milestone

India captain MS Dhoni says Sachin Tendulkar's overwhelming emotion will be relief when he scores his 100th century in Tests and one-day internationals. The Little Master has been anchored on 99 hundreds since March and bookmakers are taking bets on which match in the upcoming four-Test series in Australia will be the one that is remembered for Tendulkar's historic achievement.

Dhoni says Tendulkar is taking the feverish speculation and pressure all in his stride, as much as can be expected. "He's someone who keeps it really simple," Dhoni said on Saturday at the MCG."He will get it at some point in time, whether it's this series or the next series.

"I don't think there's any added pressure on him."But of course if he gets it soon he will feel a bit relieved."A hundred hundreds in international cricket, it's something really really big. "The whole of cricket, all over the world, people will really cherish the moment when he gets his hundredth done."India didn't announce a starting eleven on Saturday for the first Test starting on Monday.

The signs were good for the tourists in the nets with pace bowlers Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan both bowling despite recent injury concerns. "They're fit as of now so that's a big relief," Dhoni said. Australia left allrounder Dan Christian out of their side, leaving the home team open to criticism if they fail to bowl out India's formidable batting line-up twice.

India's top six includes Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, both 38, who are the two leading run-scorers in Test cricket."We have got an experienced batting line-up but it's not about how we look on paper. It's important what we do on the field," Dhoni said. However the skipper added confidently: "As far as getting worried is concerned, I don't see a single area where we need to be really worried."

Dhoni also said the traditional extra bounce of Australia's pitches compared to India would not bother his side.

"If you see the batting line-up that we've got, it's not the first time that they will be touring Australia and it's not the first time they will be playing at the venue," he said."They know the conditions very well. "We are very optimistic that we will do well in the Test match."

India have never won a Test series in Australia in nine attempts over 64 years but against an inexperienced home side, the tourists look well-placed to put up a strong showing this summer. Dhoni said he wasn't concerned about who was labelled favourites. "We are always under pressure so we don't really think about the tag," he said.

Courtesy : Sydney Morning Herald