Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

“The memory of taking his wicket will always remain”

Former Australia pace bowler Shaun Tait has ranked legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar “just above” former baggy greens captain Ricky Ponting and West Indies great Brian Lara.

“It was a short span of career I had with Australia,” Tait said. “I was lucky enough to play against Brian Lara, play with Ricky Ponting and play against Sachin. I think Sachin is probably just above those other two.”

Tait also noted that he would never forget the moment he dismissed Tendulkar during the 2011 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.

“Obviously my last match was against India in the 2011 World Cup,” he said. “It was actually the last time I got to dismiss him and I got his wicket. He obviously made a good 50 in that match and India beat us. But for me the memory of taking his wicket will always remain.”

The 30-year-old also revealed that he was looking forward to seeing Tendulkar play in his 200th and final Test match, which will come against the West Indies in his hometown of Mumbai next month.

“It has been a long time for him, I suppose 24 years, Tait said. “He has earned the right to put his feet up and relax.

“Unfortunately, I have to get back to Australia now but I will watch it from Australia. It would have been nice to be in the city while that was happening. It would have been a nice celebration and watch everyone go mad in the streets.”