Sachin Tendulkar Farewell: Little Master's Five Greatest Test Innings

Sachin Tendulkar is and will remain one of cricket's greatest warriors as he embarks on his 200<sup>th and final test match in front of his home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Worshipped by millions across the globe, the Little Master has amassed more than 30,000 runs in all formats of the game and played some memorable innings, some of which shall remain imbued in our hearts for many years to come.

IBTimes UK looks at five of his greatest test innings which changed the face of Indian cricket and put his name on the Roll of Honour.

1. 114 v Australia, Perth, 1992

Tendulkar announced himself to the world with a century in the fifth test of India's tour of Australia in what was then considered one of the fastest pitches in the world. Facing the likes of Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes, he held India's innings together as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.

India lost the game by 300 runs but Tendulkar had left his mark on the Aussies who regarded him with deference.

2. 136 v Pakistan, Chennai, 1999

The knock against Pakistan will go down in history as one of the grittiest, most determined innings of his career and a true portrayal of Tendulkar's never-say-die attitude. Pakistan were touring their great rivals for the first time in over a decade and India, while chasing a score of 271, succumbed to 85/5 with Tendulkar and Nayan Mongia at the crease.

The Little Master was playing with a chronic back problem, which flared up midway through his innings and had to ask for a brace to relieve his pain. However, Tendulkar braved the discomfort and led India to 17 runs from the target before he was sent back to the pavilion by the guile of Saqlain Mushtaq.

3. 119* v England, Old Trafford, 1990

No list involving Tendulkar can be complete without a mention of his debut century against England at Old Trafford. There were six centuries scored in that game, with four coming from the hosts.

However, the sheer brilliance of a 17-year-old stole the limelight. His innings included 17 boundaries off a seasoned England attack, which finally saved the game for India.

4. 241* v Australia, Sydney, 2004

Tendulkar showed his pedigree yet again with a brilliant 200 against an Australian side who were looking to give their captain Steve Waugh a fitting farewell in his final test.

Along with VVS Laxman, Tendulkar put on a huge score in the first innings, showing guts and class against the likes of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. India drew the series 1-1, a result which inspired the Indians to greater things in the future.

5. 103* v England, Mumbai, 2008

Few of Tendulkar's centuries can have been as important as the unbeaten 103 he scored to win the first test against Mumbai against England in 2008.

The visitors had been on top throughout the match, propelled by twin centuries from Andrew Strauss, and set India a daunting target of 387 to win on a cracked, crumbling pitch. But Tendulkar guided his side to a six-wicket victory, which was all the more emotional given that Mumbai had only recently been the scene of a terrorist attack, and the match had almost been cancelled.