Support of his nation has powered Sachin Tendulkar to 50, says Matthew Hayden

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden speaks to DNA on Mumbai champ’s historic feat.

Did you expect any batsman to reach 50 Test centuries?
Probably not, I think when you look at the greatest players of all time — they’ve been over 20, but certainly not over 50. He is certainly forging new grounds in terms of greatness. It’s qualified obviously by the amount of cricket played and the number of teams actually involved in the tournament. Having said that, that is not the athletes’ fault, that is the programming and it’s a good thing.

If Sachin has done it, what could be the reason?
An incredibly long career along with the tenacity and commitment to play for long periods of time. Not to mention his sheer brilliance and commanding presence within the game. There wouldn’t be one side in the world that wouldn’t want Sachin as their first wicket pointing their ship toward victory.

What is it that stands out for Sachin from other batsmen?
I think his concentration is fantastic — it is second to none. I think his skill levels in all conditions, and particularly in the subcontinent, are phenomenal. His ability to play quality spin bowling, ability to play quality quick and swing bowling is exceptional. There are not too many chinks in his armoury.

What it takes to reach 50 Test centuries?
I think its determination, the support of the nation. For Sachin, the support of the people who have adored him for 20 years is a great part of his success. I think it is belief in your own ability, and also evolution as a player as well. International sides work you out quickly, so you have to be readily able to adapt and change your technique and your game.

I think the time I was most impressed with Sachin was when he really had to work through his tennis elbow — where he had adapted his technique and changed his ways of batting, making modifications to get through that period — now that is the true sign of a champion.

Is there any particular way Sachin prepares for a Test?
I think he concentrates on what his primary skills are from what I’ve seen — he hits lots of cricket balls, he takes lots of catches, he’s very proactive with his other disciplines as well — be it fielding or even bowling. He is just a very good all round preparer.

He executes his preparation and he loves his preparation. He knows when to back on and back off as well, which I think is very important for longevity. When you’re playing all year round you need to know when to put your mind into certain preparations and then when to back off, relax, enjoy and recover.

How difficult is to last 21 years and how long do you think he can continue?
Well I think you have to look after yourself very well — and I know Sachin has done that. I imagine Sachin most probably had not picked up weights or engaged in rigorous fitness to that end up until maybe 6 or 7 years ago.

So the preparation has changed along with the advancement of modern day sports medicine and the improvement in the support available for athletes. I would imagine that he has been taking advantage of that. My thoughts are that he can play for as long as his body lets him.

More specifically from a batting point of view, you can play for as long as your vision remains 100% and he obviously isn’t struggling with that right now.

How is he looked upon by the Australian team?
He was looked upon very fondly - he was always a great competitor, and also a very quiet man who kept to himself. Naturally, Australians are very gregarious and have a more extroverted personality so there was a difference, however, he was a very respected individual in the eyes of our side.

How is he looked upon by the Australian public?
Again I think very fondly. There is an enormous population and community of Indian expats throughout Australia, and more than anything, an Australian likes to watch a champion - they love to watch the best no matter what sporting code there is.

Sachin represented that for India, and represented that for cricket globally.

How do you rate him in the world cricket?
As I wrote in my book ‘Standing My Ground’, I’d rate Sachin number 2 in terms of players ever — definitely my second pick in terms of a batsman.

How do you compare him with Don Bradman?
It is impossible to compare the two as they are two different players from two entirely different eras. What I do appreciate however is what great gifts Sachin has been given, and used to entertain cricket and cricketers for 20 years — that’s amazing.