Clarke is still amazed at how Tendulkar has continued to excel throughout his 23 years in the game

With Australia already having lost their Test series against India and being on the brink of a 4-0 whitewashing, captain Michael Clarke has admitted that veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar’s longevity has never ceased to amaze him.

While Australia have been able to keep Tendulkar quiet for a majority of the series, Clarke noted that it would only be a matter of time before the ‘Little Master’ produces the innings of a lifetime.

“You can have as many plans as possible for Sachin Tendulkar but he is a great player,” Clarke said. “He is the greatest I have seen and I have always loved playing against him. His sign of greatness is his longevity and consistency.

“I was walking on the treadmill and watching his 100 in the Irani Cup game. I enjoy his batting but as an Australian captain, I would like to ensure that he doesn’t score too many runs.”

Clarke also joked that it was a huge relief that his bowlers did not have to bowl to retired batting duo Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, both of whom are equally as capable as Tendulkar of causing unrepairable damage in a short period of time.

“It’s nice for us that a lot of greats like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have retired,” Clarke said. “It’s good that our bowlers don’t need to bowl to them but the new players will like to stamp their authority on the game.”

Clarke refused to dabble too much in the ongoing debate about whether India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is fit to lead the Test side after a string of overseas losses and more recently a home one against England.

“Neither do I look too much into past nor do I look too far ahead,” Clarke said. “I am not sure whether MS or the Indian team will be giving up too easily but my focus is on Australian team.”

The Australian captain was full of praise for his pace bowling attack, who have struggled and toiled in the subcontinent heat and given it their all throughout the series.

“Definitely, our fast bowling stocks are very strong,” Clarke said. “Peter Siddle has shown how to transform talent into performance. Our fast bowlers have really shown lot of heart and character. They have a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for them.

“I can throw the ball at them at any time and expect wickets. For me it doesn’t matter, whether Matthew Wade bowls but all I need is 20 wickets. The Australian team comes above everything else.”

Clarke also noted that his input has not really mattered throughout the entire series since Australia have constantly been on the losing end.

“As a leader, I expect to do well and lead by example,” Clarke added. “You want to perform and be at your best. But then, the team comes first.”

Despite already having lost the series, Clarke noted that every India Australia encounter is all about “passion and intensity”.

“For me, this series is as important as the Ashes as well as playing against No 1 Test team South Africa,” Clarke said.

The Australian skipper also insisted that he has “never played the sport for money” after being bought by the Pune Warriors for US$400,000 during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

“Throughout my entire career, it has never been about playing for money,” Clarke said. “Had it been so, I would have never skipped earlier editions of IPL. I didn’t play as my body didn’t permit. I have always been a huge supporter of IPL but right now, my focus is on the Test series.”