Master blaster

Bob Willis praises Sachin Tendulkar as he becomes the leading run scorer in Test history.

Bob Willis has high praise for Sachin Tendulkar after the India star became the leading run scorer in Test history. Tendulkar scored the 15 extra runs he needed to overtake Brian Lara's aggregate of 11,953 on day one of the second Test against Australia in Mohali. "Fantastic, you have to remember that Sachin Tendulkar is a bigger name in India than David Beckham is in the UK and the rest of the world," said former England bowler and Sky Sports commentator Bob Willis. "Although it has taken him more matches to achieve this feat than Brian Lara, he will go down as one of the most fantastic players of all time. "He has also been a brilliant ambassador for the game." Tendulkar made his Test debut in 1989 when he was just 16 and his talent was obvious from the start. "It was a joy to watch him play as a teenager," added Willis. "You knew then that he was not only going to be the new Sunil Gavaskar, but he was going to be something very special indeed. And so it has been proved. "Unfortunately for him India went One Day cricket crazy and I think if they played more Test matches during his lifetime as a batsmen then he would have broken all records a long time ago." Tendulkar has shown his resilience and his determination over the years and few can forget his debut when he was bloody but not bowed after he was smacked in the mouth from a ball from Waqar Younis. "He is a very tough character indeed, said Willis."Injury goes along with the territory of playing Test match cricket and Sachin has had his share along the way. But as soon as he is fit he is back on the field whether it is a one day match or a Test match. "He just loves the game and the game loves him. Sachin has kept his feet firmly on the ground and has been a super example for any young person in India or indeed the world."