The sporting week: Tendulkar, tennis and test rugby
England internationals mean there is no domestic football this weekend – but there is still plenty of sporting action around.
This week ought to be remembered as Tendulkar Week, when the Superhuman Sportsman club accepted another applicant, writes Jordan Jarrett-Bryan.
It’s an exclusive club whose members include Muhammad Ali, Diego Maradona, Carl Lewis, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, and it now welcomes its first Asian superstar.
The endorsement of Sachin Tendulkar’s entry came from another great of cricket, Brian Lara, who compared the impact of India’s most prolific batsman in sport to that of Jordan and Ali. But non-followers of cricket will be asking: “Sachin who?”
This is ironic as his fan base probably dwarfs those of David Beckham and Floyd Mayweather. If this Indian went into politics, he’d be a serious contender.
Having scored 74 runs in his final test match against the West Indies yesterday, Tendulkar can reflect on a career that involved 200 Test matches, 463 one day internationals and a world cup win.
This is a man who is cricket to all in India and to many across the globe. One of the most versatile batsmen the game has ever seen, he shaped the dreams of young Indians and his career has coincided with his country’s economic ascent. Sachin Tendulkar, Channel 4 News salutes you.
Osmond and Jackson
Two more sportsmen knocking on the door are Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – the Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond of tennis.
This week we saw the top two in the world contest the ATP world final in London, their 39th meeting, with the Serbian coming out on top despite ending the season and year ranked second.
The fact that they are in their prime (Nadal is 27, Djokovic 26) suggests there will be several more clashes between the two, offering further opportunity for both men to secure the “greatest of all time” title.
Speaking of the greatest, New Zealand are in town for the rugby union autumn international against England this afternoon. England coach Stuart Lancaster is certain that the All Blacks are the most dominant team in international sport. Mind games – or just calling it as it is?
England, needing a win if only for confidence, are still the only side to beat New Zealand in the last 33 tests. Will it be the All Whites celebrating come 5pm?