IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sent from the heavens just to play' - Ravi Shastri recalls the last time an Indian scored a century at Old Trafford
As India continue their fight in a must-win match at Old Trafford in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, memories of one of the most iconic innings in cricket history resurfaced.
The historic moment came in 1990 when a 17-year-old
Sachin Tendulkar
scored his first-ever international century at the venue. This innings, scored under pressure, marked the beginning of a legendary career, and it continues to be celebrated by those who witnessed it.
Ravi Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, recalled Tendulkar's first Test century at Old Trafford, and the impact it had on everyone watching. Shastri was asked if he realised he was witnessing greatness when watching Tendulkar bat from the balcony.
"I certainly did, because I'd seen him from my days with Mumbai cricket, you know," Shastri said. "I remember doing an interview for Wisden in the summer of '89, playing for Glamorgan, and there's a quote there where I've said: he's been sent from upstairs to just play cricket, entertain, and go upstairs whenever he wants after that. The reason I said it—because what we saw of him at 16 was unreal—and you saw glimpses of that in that innings.
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Shastri, who had first-hand experience with Tendulkar's skills, spoke about the balance, power, and purity of his technique that stood out even at such a young age. 'The balance, the power he had even at that age, and the simplicity and purity of his technique, which never changed right through his career," he said. "He tinkered very little with his technique... and the signature shot—the straight drive—never changed.
He never had a problem against the short ball. A very pure player."
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The former India head coach's admiration for Tendulkar's game was echoed by England legend Michael Atherton, who also praised the Indian legend's unmatched consistency and versatility. "Most batters, obviously, are captained for a while in England, and you're looking at opposition players thinking: where's our little chink in the armour here? Where is he vulnerable? And with Sachin, it was very difficult," Atherton remarked.
Atherton pointed out how Tendulkar had no weaknesses in his game, even when facing some of the toughest bowlers in world cricket. "He played Shane Warne absolutely brilliantly, he got hundreds in Perth—so pace, spin—no weaknesses," he said, highlighting Tendulkar's ability to excel against all forms of bowling.
Poll
Who do you think is the greatest Indian cricketer of all time?
Sachin Tendulkar
Kapil Dev
Sourav Ganguly
The 1990 Test at Old Trafford was a special one for Tendulkar, as he displayed remarkable maturity and talent. Set a daunting target of 408 with a little more than a day's play left, India were four down for 109 when Tendulkar walked out to bat. The teenager, however, composed a brilliant knock of 119* off 189 balls, helping India reach 343/6 and salvaging a draw.
As India faces England in the current Test series, with a win crucial to stay alive in the contest, the team could certainly draw inspiration from Tendulkar's unforgettable century at Old Trafford in 1990.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
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