Matthew Hoggard: On his day, Tendulkar is the best batsman I bowled at
He's not destructive but he has you thinking from the start how you're going to get him out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is bizarre to think that in seven Test innings at Lord's, Sachin Tendulkar has failed to reach 40. Looking at that record, you would never guess that we are talking about one of the finest batsmen of all time but, whether or not Tendulkar makes amends this week, there is no doubt that he is right up there with all the other champions.
The best batsman I ever bowled at? That is a question I'm asked quite often and one I find difficult to answer. Yes, on his day Tendulkar is No 1. But then, during my time, I could say the same about Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Inzamam-ul-Haq, to name just three.
Perhaps more than anyone else I came across, Tendulkar played each and every ball on its merits. So while you wouldn't say he is an especially destructive batsman in Test cricket – not the sort who strikes the fear of God into you, anyway, through the savagery of his hitting – he has you thinking from the start about how on earth you are going to get him out. And, of course, if you don't get Sachin early then there is every chance he will go on to make yet another century. His appetite for run-scoring never seems to be satisfied and, as always, his wicket will be the one England prize above all others this summer.
Matthew Hoggard played 67 Tests for England and writes a column for The Independent every Saturday
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments