Oz PM Abbott meets Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday met Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Sachin said he has the photograph of the all-time Test playing XI, picked by Australian great Donald Bradman, framed at his home and he would always “treasure” it as the legend had included him in that team. 

“Coming back to the greatest compliment that I have received in my life was without any doubt was from Sir Don,” Tendulkar said while speaking at a sporting event organised by the Australian consulate.

“In 1994-95 he told his wife that my batting style resembles his batting style. It was the greatest compliment that I have received from him and the icing on the cake was when he picked me to be a part of his all-time Test playing eleven. 

“That was a special moment for me in life. I have the photograph of the playing eleven framed at my place which I would treasure,” he added.

Recollecting the moment when he held Bradman’s bat that he used in the 30s-40s in his hand, Tendulkar said, “I remember in 2007, I was playing a match at Sydney where I actually got to hold Sir Don’s real bat.

“We obviously had to be careful. I had to wear gloves and all sorts of things. But it was an exciting moment for someone who 30 years ago was checking the autograph of Sir Don to progress to actually hold his real bat that he used in the 30s and 40s,” remembered Tendulkar.

The 41-year-old sent warning signals to all the cricketing playing nations, saying India were all prepared to defend their World Cup title next year, when the action unfolds in Australia and New Zealand.

“I know that the World Cup will be played next year in Australia and New Zealand, and I have got some fond memories of 1991-92 tour when we played in Australia and New Zealand. Just a gentle reminder to everyone that the defending champions are ready to defend,” said the Master Blaster.

The legendary batsman, meanwhile, reminded the youngsters to play the game in the right spirit.

“You guys need to remember that you got to compete in the right spirit on the field and respect your opponents. I believe that sport teaches you a lot in life. It champions fitness, improves your health, improves your concentration level. You are able to focus longer and harder. I have also said earlier that something that sport teaches you cannot be learnt in classrooms or boardrooms.

“Sport has also taught me whenever I had to face defeat, to get on to my feet again and compete in the right spirit,” said Tendulkar.