Lara wants Sachin to cash in at Adelaide

Confident of 'master' Sachin Tendulkar getting his 100th century in the 4th test at adelaide, West Indies legend is ready to celebrate it with a glass of bubbly. West Indies legend Brian Lara believes Sachin Tendulkar will get his much-awaited 100th international century in today's fourth Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. In an email interaction with this correspondent, Lara said: "It's been a disappointing series, but the Master will get it at Adelaide."

The former West Indies skipper continued, "don't know what Sachin thinks of the (Adelaide) Oval, but for me, it is the most beautiful cricket ground in the world." Lara should know. The stylish left-hander scored an impressive 226 in the first innings of his final Test on Australian soil (November 2005) at this very ground.

In fact, Lara has already outlined his celebration plans for the 100th ton. "Please give him my best wishes and let him know that I will have a glass of champagne in celebration of this great feat," wrote Lara.Tendulkar meanwhile, was more than happy to learn of Lara's message. "Oh, where is he (Lara) now? I heard he was in Mumbai recently," asked Tendulkar.

The Indian batting maestro was told of former Adelaide curator Les Burdett's assurance to Lara of a double hundred on the eve of his final Test at Adelaide. Burdett told Lara that there was a double hundred for the taking. An amused Lara promised to buy him a beer if that happened. And it did. Burdett ended up getting a couple of beers. Tendulkar was amused by the anecdote.

"I didn't know about this," he said. The Mumbai ace was also impressed by another 'feat' -- the story of Nathan Lyon's journey from a curator to Test player. "That's a pretty amazing story too -- curator to Test player in 14 months," Tendulkar said. Tendulkar signed off with a 'thank you' request to his fellow batting great: "Please thank Brian for his best wishes."
Tendulkar @ Adelaide...
* Jan 25-29; 1992: 4th Test: 6 & 17 (Aus won by 38 runs)
* Dec 10-14, 1999; First Test: 61 & 0 (Aus won by 285 runs)
* Dec 12-16, 2003; Second Test: 1 & 37 (India won by 4 wickets)
* Jan 24-28, 2008; Fourth Test: 153 & 13 (Match drawn)

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