Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Tendulkar Sets Test Run Record


Sachin Tendulkar has become the first player in history to score 15,000 runs in Test match cricket.

The Indian batsman achieved the feat when he reached 28 not out on day three of the first Test against the West Indies in Delhi.

The 38-year-old is seeking a record 100th international century having been stuck on 99 tons since March.

Tendulkar ended the day unbeaten on 33 after being trapped lbw by Fidel Edwards for seven in the first innings.

The "Little Master" passed West Indies batsman Brian Lara's mark of 11,953 runs to become the leading Test run-scorer in 2008 and subsequently became the first cricketer in history to reach 12,000, 13,000, 14,000 and now 15,000 Test runs.

He is the leading run-scorer in one day internationals, too, and holds the record for number of international centuries scored.

Attention will now return to his bid to become the first person to score 100 international centuries having scored 51 Test and 48 ODI centuries in 635 matches.

Tendulkar reached his 99th international hundred against South Africa at this year's World Cup.

Hopes were high that he would surpass the mark on India's tour of England this summer, but the Mumbai batsman struggled for form as the tourists lost the series 4-0.

A toe injury ruled him out of the home and away ODI series against England which followed.

Speaking before the current series with West Indies, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the team were preparing to mark the 100th ton landmark.

"We will let him get the century and then we will speak about it," said Dhoni. "It's a milestone Sachin will achieve, whether in this game, the next game or some other game. It's bound to happen.

"Once he gets his ton, we all will celebrate with him. It will be a big moment for Indian cricket."

THE LITTLE MASTER'S CAREER TEST AVERAGES
Matches - 181
Runs - 15,005
Highest score - 248*
Batting average - 56.25
Centuries - 51
Wickets 45
Bowling average - 53.68