Hogg praises little master

Brad Hogg appeals during the opening day © Getty Images

Australia spinner Brad Hogg hailed Sachin Tendulkar after the India batsman hit an unbeaten 124 on the opening day of the fourth Test in Adelaide.

The tourists, needing to win to draw the four-match series 2-2, closed on 309 for five on a day dominated by Tendulkar’s fantastic knock.

The ‘Little Master’ hit 10 fours and three sixes in his innings and earned the praise of Hogg afterwards.

Hogg said: “Any innings when Sachin is batting is a joy to watch but you'd rather him be making the hundreds against someone else.

"It's just fantastic to be out there and to be playing against him.

"He's up there as the greatest player the world's ever seen. You can put him alongside Brian Lara and the Don (Don Bradman).

"It's just a fantastic opportunity to play against someone of that calibre.

“He deserves that standing ovation when he comes out and hopefully he plays a few more years down the track because he's such a fantastic player to watch."

Sachin Tendulkar uses his feet to attack

Despite a relatively even first day, Hogg still believes Australia are well placed to secure a series victory.

“The game is pretty even at the moment," Hogg added.

“But I think if we can make inroads tomorrow (Friday) with the new ball, and we can roll India before they get to 400 I think we are in the box seat."

Hogg finished the day with figures of 1-78 from his 18 overs, with Tendulkar in particular taking a liking to the left-armer’s bowling.
The 36-year-old is confident, however, that he will play a bigger role as the match progresses.

"It should take more spin as the game goes on," he said.

"Over the years it has always been pretty good for batting here if you get in and I trust our batsmen to bat well and then we need to bowl well in the second innings."