Mumbai: Of all the accolades and presents that Sachin Tendulkar has been receiving on his 50th birthday today, this one must be really, really special as it comes all the way from Australia.
A gate named after Tendulkar and West Indies great Brian Lara was unveiled at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to mark the Indian legend’s landmark birthday.
Tendulkar and Lara joined the likes of Australian greats Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris by having a set of gates named in their honour at the venue.
All visiting cricketers will step out on the field at SCG through the Lara-Tendulkar Gates, situated between the Members Pavilion’s away dressing room and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand.
The Australian team enters the field via the Don Bradman Gate between Members and Ladies Pavilions, while Arthur Morris and Alan Davidson Gates are in front of the stadium.
A plaque has been erected to highlight the achievements of Lara and Tendulkar at SCG.
“As the cricketing world celebrates Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, this is a fitting and timely gesture by the SCG to recognise Sachin and Brian Lara as two legends of the international game with exceptional records at the SCG. Their feats will no doubt be an inspiration to not only visiting international teams, but all players fortunate enough to walk onto the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, for generations to come,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley
Tendulkar hit three centuries — with a highest of 241 not out in 2004 — and aggregated 785 runs in five Tests at SCG at a staggering average of 157.
“The Sydney Cricket Ground has been my favourite ground away from India. I have had some great memories at the SCG right from my first tour of Australia in 1991-92,” Tendulkar said in a statement issued by SCG.
“It is a great honour to have the gates used by all visiting cricketers to access the field of play at the SCG named after me and my good friend Brian,” Tendulkar remarked.
Lara scored a breathtaking 277 in a Test match played at Sydney in 1993, which is part of cricketing folklore.
