Tendulkar, stranded on 99 centuries in One-Day Internationals and Tests since March last year, averages a mammoth 221.3 at the SCG and underlined his form with a fluent 73 in the first Test.
“I can assure you that no one in our dressing room wants him to make a century,” said Hussey. “I am a bit nervous because the stars seem to be aligning with Tendulkar needing one more 100. It will also be the 100th Test match in Sydney and he has made runs here before.
“It is a little bit ominous but hopefully we can make him wait until after this series and he can get a 100 in the first game of the next series that he plays.”
The last time the teams met at the SCG was in 2008 when a row involving India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, accused of racially abusing Andrew Symonds, soured relations between the sides.
“That was a long time ago and the personalities and teams have changed quite a lot, particularly in our team,” said Hussey. “That’s in the past. I think the players that were involved in all the controversies have moved on and have even played together.”
Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that based on Tendulkar’s form in the first Test, he is ‘guaranteed’ to get his missing century in Australia.
“He looked very solid on a pitch which had a fair bit of help for the quicks,” said Ganguly. “His feet have moved superbly, which is an indication that his mind is thinking the right way.
“I can guarantee that if he keeps batting like this he’ll make a major impact in the remaining three Tests and probably get past that magic landmark.”
Despite Tendulkar’s fine innings in the opening Test, Australia outclassed the tourists by 122 runs as the India batting line-up failed to live up to its reputation and succumbed to the pressure put on by the hosts’ fast-bowlers.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2012.
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