I saw one of these placards displaying ” SCG – Sachin’s Cricket Ground “. That might be true, but there was some history that the Indians, especially the Master Blaster, was keen to re-write. Probably something started to bloom inside him after he recieved Sir Don’s bat from the SCG Museum on Saturday which he admitted was special to follow it up with a century.

Though SCG has been named as above, the Indian’s ODI record has been very pathetic there. Of the 13 ODI’s that India has played there before this one, they’ve lost all the matches. So they needed the Master to show his class and stamp his authority.

Chasin 240, Indians never looked in trouble for the major part. After Yuvraj Singh’s departure, the young Rohit Sharma joined hands with the Master Blaster, his role model, and moulded the innings beautifully. Sachin played some exuberant strokes in due course. He drew on all his experience to upset the bowlers, especially when they tried something different. Mitchell Johnson came round the wicket and pitched it short into his body but Tendulkar simply arched back to shoulder the ball over the empty slip region – just enough to beat third man.

Rohit Sharma was very quick between the wickets and made sure that he gave most of the strike to Sachin Tendulkar. Due to Sachin’s influence, Rohit Sharma benefitted a lot and Sachin felt comfortable with the lad from his hometown. They complemented each other beautifully.

The Toss :

After what the critics had in store for the Little Master, he replied in a way that he has been doing for years now. Sachin finally agreed that he wanted to make sure Indians won this match as also to be sure that he sets his own record in Australia and the Indian record at Sydney properly. Ah!!! What a feel it would have been to get a century and also to have set so many records right.

Other highlighting points of the day was Hayden reaching his 6000th ODI run and Hussey’s wonderful effort to dismiss Robin Uthappa. I’ve also planned to embed all the videos of this CB Series Final as this will be the last of the kind.

I've not seen a more diplomatic player than Sachin Tendulkar. Also on screen in the coming video is my other favourite player, Adam Gilchrist. Do check this out. Don't miss it.

Michael Hussey’s catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa :

Finally Sachin’s masterful innings alone :

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