Tendulkar back in style

After his recent shoulder surgery, Sachin Tendulkar sought to get back into cricket in a “no-pressure, relaxed environment”. The environment could not have been any more relaxed than a charity game between a Lashings World XI and Cambridge University – Tendulkar did not disappoint, striking a sublime 155 from only 119 balls, in a 104-run win for the Lashings XI.

Tendulkar opened the Lashings innings with former West Indian international Richie Richardson, and was in complete control of the University bowling attack throughout his innings. He reached a superb half-century from only 42 balls, proceeding at roughly the same rate to reach his hundred from 91 deliveries.

His innings was classic Tendulkar – the sumptuous straight drives were there, the nonchalant flicks to leg, the effortless cover-drives. He upped the pace after reaching his century, and it took him only 26 balls to go from 100 to 150. He was eventually dismissed soon afterwards, caught at short mid-on off the bowling of seamer Ben Jacklin, but by then his return to form was absolute.

Chris Cairns, another member of the Lashings XI, also smashed a hundred in the match, his 113 not out coming from only 57 balls. The former New Zealand all-rounder also smashed nine sixes in a trademark innings. Lashings racked up a massive 342-5 from their 40 overs, with the University reaching 238-9 in reply, as Vasbert Drakes took five wickets.

Tendulkar has returned – the cricket world is glad to see one of its great heroes back in action.