I played to a plan -- Tendulkar

I played to a plan -- Tendulkar
CHETAN KULKARNI

NAGPUR, NOVEMBER 27: A Spectator, fully dressed in Rajasthani attire, danced his way into the stadium to attract the TV cameraman and the Sunday crowd at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. But, there were few takers for his stunt as a sumptuous batting feast was on out in the middle.

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar did not let the spectators down as he scored his second double hundred, while `Mr Dependable' Rahul Dravid continued his touch to add another century under his belt.

``I had planned about it and played accordingly,'' a seemingly satisfied Tendulkar told the mediapersons. ``I do plan my innings sometimes but today I had decided to be solid and hung on for long out in the centre,'' he replied when asked regarding his plan.

``My first double century did take a long time to come but I kept on trying and kept my fingers crossed. Now, I happy with my performance but it would be important to continue this form,'' he said.

When asked about his fiery beginning and a little slow scoring rate later in the afternoon, Tendulkar said, ``I had to change a bit because of the fielding position. I had to settle for singles because the Zimbwabeans spread the field in the afternoon.''

The master batsman termed his completing quarter century of international centuries as reasonably good. ``This is what is required,'' he opined. About the wicket he said, ``the ball was not coming on to the bat but it is a good wicket to bat on.''

Dravid, who scored 433 runs in his last three innings, was satisfied with his knock. ``I had a good series and a bit of luck''. He was all praise for his senior partner saying, ``it is always a joy playing long innings with Sachin. He dominates the attack and he has the ability to tear the bowling apart. So, it is easy watching him at the other end''.

``I didn't think about it. I was there to try and get as many runs possible but it was a poor shot. I played the pull shot so many times in Delhi but unfortunately got out today,'' he said when asked about his missing the back-to-back double century.