Sachin, the best in the world

Lara define Sachin as the best in the world. Former Eng captain Alex Stewart called him "the modern day Bradman". The world is waiting with tremendous angst and the question on everybody's lips is " Can Sachin do the impossible, score his 100th international hundred at Lords ?".

His record at Lords had been dismal. In the last seven innings at Lords, his scores have been 10, 27, 31, 16, 12, 37 and 16. And Lords seems to be the only Test ground where he has not scored a fifty.

But he is in tremendous form and his average against England is 61.42, the highest against any standard Test side. This may be his last tour to England.

Strauss has already warned India that this will be a baptism of fire. If Eng beat India in two Tests, they can surpass South Africa and go to the top of the table, in ICC Rankings.

Lara, participating in a panel discussion at Dhoni's "East Meets West" Gala Dinner at Hilton Park Lane in London, said " "Sachin started playing (Test cricket) at the age of 16. And at 38 now, we have not seen a better player. Sachin is the best batsman in the world."

"I am going to the Lord's to see Sachin make his 100th century," he said.

Dravid, the master batsman, described as the Wall of India, said "In India we have many Gods and he is one of them."

When interviewed by cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, Lara said "While Sachin is special, Dravid is the wall."

"Dravid is always going to be there - he is a tremendous player."