'It was an umpiring error' - Sachin Tendulkar recalls his dismissal off Courtley Ambrose against West Indies in 1997

Sachin Tendulkar during his playing days wouldn’t share too much about his cricket. However, since hanging up his boots, the batsman has been quite vocals about his experiences during the playing days. The veteran recently talked about a few knocks which he really enjoyed playing.

Talking a few innings which he remembers quite well, Sachin said that he cherishes the ODI inning which he played against West Indies in 1997. The legendary batsman said that the pitch was a challenging one given the overcast conditions and dampness. He also pointed out that the West Indian side had a terrific bowling unit.

“Another innings I cherish is the first one-day international between West Indies and India at Trinidad in 1997. We batted first, and the weather was overcast, with the wicket damp in the morning. Not only was the wicket challenging to bat on, but their bowling attack was also extremely good as well. Their pace battery consisted of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop and Franklin Rose,” Tendulkar told cricket.com.

Talking about that innings, the Mumbai batsman said that he was batting quite well until he was wrongly given out. He said it was one of the best innings he played as it was really tough conditions to bat on.

I rank that innings as one of my favourites: Sachin Tendulkar

“I was able to counterattack and score quick 44 runs, before getting out to Ambrose caught behind on what was an umpiring error. It was a rain-curtailed match and we lost the match, but purely for the tough conditions in which one had to bat on, I rank that innings as one of my favourites,” added Sachin.

The match which the Master Blaster is referring to was an ODI match at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. India batted first and could manage only 179 runs. No batsman was able to bat properly in those conditions but Tendulkar scored a brisk 43-ball 44 which included ten fours. He got out caught to the wicket-keeper off the bowling of Curtley Ambrose. However, the replays showed that the batsman hadn’t actually nicked the ball.

Talking about a few more knocks, Tendulkar recalled two knocks which he played against Australia in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy and 2001 bilateral series. Recalling the one in the bilateral series, the right-handed batter said that had he not got run out in that match, he might have got a big score.

“There was an over where I attacked McGrath and managed to hit three boundaries and a six. The idea was to not let him settle, and the plan had largely worked. I eventually got run out for 35 runs in that match but I was in good form to continue otherwise” Tendulkar revealed.

Reminiscing the match in the ICC Knockout Trophy, the 47-year-old said that he tried to make Glenn McGrath angry so that he bowls on his body. He admitted that the plan had worked and India went on to win the match.

“I cannot forget the match against Australia in the ICC Champions Knockout Trophy in Nairobi in 2000 as well. The plan was to get him angry and make him attack my body instead of looking to get me out. We were beaten on occasions but also were able to make McGrath bowl where we wanted. I made a quick-fire 38 and this came in a winning cause so I was very happy,” added Sachin.