New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori must have regretted missing the Christchurch game. Considering the margin of defeat – 58 runs – his bowling was sorely missed. And Sachin Tendulkar had it all chartered out. He retired hurt at 163 and then talked about how he had in mind that he could have been the first double centurion in ODI cricket. For a cricketer to be able to last as long as he has, it needs some astute planning. And so he promptly went on to make his 43rd century.

Is he getting better with age like vintage wine? It is a question only he would be able to answer. In Sri Lanka, despite the three poor decisions he got, the fact is he looked slow moving his feet. Hence he was leg-before wicket all three times.

However, considering the sort of average bowling that New Zealand has at the moment, there is every indication that the Indian batsmen are going to make hay if the sun shines. Then, on that day in the absence of Vettori, Tendulkar sized up the situation very well, playing at his own pace with a target in mind. And such an experienced batsman – the most experienced in the game – just cannot falter.
 
One of the tragedies of New Zealand cricket is the loss of that wonderful fast bowler, Shane Bond, to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) leading to his ban from the officially organised game. The last time Bond had played against the Indians in Zimbabwe, he had quite a few of them wanting to be at the other end.

In fact, it was Bond who made former captain Sourav Ganguly drop himself in the batting order, angering then coach Greg Chappell. This led to the fall-out between the two.

One cannot see this New Zealand team do much better in the Tests that follow and one is sure Tendulkar would make the most of the opportunities that would come his way. This is what great players have done from Bradman downwards!