OTD 1990: Sachin Tendulkar announces arrival with maiden international century against England

Sachin Tendulkar is considered by many as the greatest cricket of all time. In a career that spanned 24 years, the legendary cricketer smashed several records and became an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.

The Mumbai batter made his international debut in November 1989 against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi at the age of just 16. While he showed glimpses of his talent since his debut, the right-handed batter announced his arrival on the international scene when he scored his first century during a Test match against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

The Master Blaster achieved this feat at the age of just 17. His superlative century came in the second Test of the three-match series, as he showed tremendous vigour while facing the likes of Devon Malcolm, Angus Fraser, and Eddie Hemmings.

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India lost the first Test by 247 runs at Lord's and Tendulkar registered scores of 10 and 27. The tourists were under severe pressure after the thrashing at the Home of Cricket and needed to bounce back strongly. However, they didn't have the best of starts to the second Test as they conceded 519 runs after the Three Lions won the toss and opted to bat first.

Tendulkar came out to bat at No. 6 in India's first innings and scored a 136-ball 68, stitching a crucial 112-run partnership with skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. India conceded a lead of 87 runs after being bowled out for 432.

The hosts declared for 320/4 in their second innings to set India a mammoth target of 408 to hunt down. India had lost four wickets for 109 runs when Tendulkar walked out to the middle. Azharuddin departed soon after Tendulkar's arrival and when Kapil Dev was dismissed, the visitors were staring down the barrel at 183/6.

However, Manoj Prabhakar gave Tendulkar excellent support. The latter remained unbeaten on 119 off 189 balls to take India to a draw. He hit 17 fours during his sensational knock, adding 160 runs alongside Prabhakar, who stayed not out on 67.

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The third Test also ended in a draw as England won the series 1-0. Tendulkar finished as the third-highest run-getter for India after Azharuddin and Ravi Shastri. He scored 245 runs from five innings at an average of 61.25.

It has been 11 years since Tendulkar bid farewell to the sport but no one has been able to get past his tally of runs in international cricket as yet.