'Tendulkar is subcontinent's cricketing jewel'

Former Pakistan captain and batting legend Hanif Mohammad termed Sachin Tendulkar as the "cricketing jewel of subcontinent" and said the 36-year-old right-hander is destined to break many more records in the coming years.

Hanif said he ranks India's Lala Amarnath and Sachin Tendulkar, West Indians Gary Sobers and Brian Lara as some of the best players of the last century.

"His (Tendulkar's) hunger and passion as a batsman and for the game is amazing. I still make it a point to sit down and watch him bat. He is a cricketing jewel of the subcontinent," he said.

The former wicketkeeper batsman also rated India as his favourite opponent.

"Playing against India was always the best moments of my career and some of my best innings came against them," Hanif said, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, on Monday.

Hanif, who played 55 Tests and 238 first class matches in a glittering career where he earned the sobriquet of "Little Master" for the longest innings in Test history -- his 970-minute 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58, said he is delighted to be a part of Pakistan's cricketing history.

"It has been a wonderful career and great life. I am thankful to almighty Allah for celebrating my 75th birthday," he said.

Asked about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Test series against Australia, Hanif said, "We have a very strong bowling line up which is capable of bowling out Australia twice in a match.

"But our batsmen need to support the bowlers and they need to apply themselves and stay at the wicket. Test cricket is all about concentration and focus."