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CRICKET ROADSHOWS

Week 7 Review - 22 Jun, Lord's Tendulkar hungry for success

It's been a while coming but finally the Indians are here, and there's no bigger global name in the sport currently than star batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

The "Little Master" has been flaying international attacks for over a decade now but England still maintains a special place in his heart after making his maiden Test century here (in 1990) and playing a season of county cricket for Yorkshire.

It also, as he explained on Saturday's Cricket Roadshow, allows him precious time to himself and his family away from the frantic adulation which greets his every move back in India.

"I've really, really enjoyed being here in the past," admitted Tendulkar to Sybil Ruscoe.

The pressure on his broad shoulders remains unwavering but Tendulkar, the world record scorer in one-day cricket, said he tried to thrive on the responsibility rather than allow it to paralyse him. "It's always nice to be one of those players that people look up to and expect something from," he added.

But while Tendulkar focuses very much on matters playing there will be an intriguing battle of hearts, minds and finances behind the scenes as respected journalist Mihir Bose explained.

"The residue of bad feelings still exists to an extent," said Bose in reference to the on-off drama surrounding England's winter tour to India.

"The Indians now feel that while on the field they are not as good as the Australians but off the field they are now a major economic power and they provide, according to estimates, 60 per cent of world cricket income and that they are no given that sort of due," added Bose.

Away from the forthcoming international attractions the Roadshow also saluted Stev Bucknor, now the world's most experienced Test umpire. The hugely popular and respected Jamaican moved ahead of Dickie Bird's 66 Tests at the top of the list after officiating in England's 3rd test victory against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

"There was nowhere better to make the record than in England," said Buknor, "and the person who did 66 was also around to say congratulations, Dickie Bird. He was there and he said there was nobody better than Steve Bucknor to hand the mantle over to."

But the proud umpire, who also has the unique distinction of having officiated in a World Cup football match, played down his personal milestone when pushed about his standing back home in the Caribbean.

"I am thought of in my country somewhat as a hero, although while I might say this to you I don't think of myself as a hero. It is them thinking that not me," stressed Bucknor.

The remainder of the programme was devoted to a preview of the last B&H Cup final with contributions from numerous former victorious captains, including Mark Nicholas, Dermot Reeve, Raymond Illingworth, Keith Fletcher, Paul Prichard and Mark Alleyne.

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