Jayawardene wary of Tendulkar’s last chance

Tuesday, 28 February 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HOBART, Australia (AFP): Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene says he is wary of what is shaping up to be Sachin Tendulkar’s final chance in Australia to score his elusive 100th international century for India.

Tuesday’s tri-series one-day international in Hobart will be the Indian batting great’s last innings in Australia unless his team can find a way to bring off a bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka to stay alive for the series finals.

To date it has been a forgettable tour for the Indians, who lost all four Tests to Australia and have won just two of their seven matches in the tri-series.

The pressure is on the “Little Master” to produce one last piece of brilliance to get the World Cup champions the bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka they need for a chance to stay in the tournament.

Tendulkar’s has been unable all tour to achieve his 100th international century. But his ability is not being discounted by Sri Lanka, who would also need to lose their last game against Australia in Melbourne on Friday to miss the finals.

“You never know,” Jayawardene told reporters in Hobart on Monday.

“I’ve played against him on so many occasions, he’s produced some brilliant individual performances.

“They’re a good side so you have to expect something different from them I’m sure because they need a big win.”

India slipped into Hobart on Monday following an 87-run loss to Australia in Sydney on Sunday and left the talking about Tuesday’s crucial match to their Sri Lankan opponents.

“I have to feel for them. It’s been a long tour, especially when you’re not winning it becomes a much longer tour,” Jayawardene said.