Tendulkar closes in on Steve Waugh’s Test aggregate

Dubai : The first Test match between India and England at Lord's beginning July 19 may see Sachin Tendulkar adding another feather in his cap, as he needs just six more runs to overtake Australia’s Steve Waugh in the all-time Test run scorers’ list.

If Tendulkar goes past Waugh at the home of cricket, he will do so in thirty fewer matches than the Australian who currently sits third in the list behind fellow-countryman Allan Border (11174) and the recently retired Brian Lara (11953 runs) in first place, according to the latest edition of the ICC Media Notes published here today.

Tendulkar, who made his Test debut in November 1989 against Pakistan, has scored 10,922 runs at an average of 55.44 in 137 Tests till date.

Waugh, who began his Test career in December 1985 against India, amassed 10,927 runs in 168 matches at an average of 51.06, before retiring in January 2004. His last Test was also against India.

Tendulkar made his first Test hundred much earlier in his career than Waugh, in his 14th innings, whereas the Australian had to wait until his 42nd for his first three-figure score in the longer version of the game, said the Media Notes.

It added that the Mumbai batsman reached several other batting landmarks ahead of Waugh, including his 1,000 runs in just 19 Tests compared to the Australian's 41.

Both batsmen enjoyed they best batting records against England. Waugh scored 1,633 runs, averaging 74.22, while Tendulkar will look to build on his 1,074 runs at 71.60 when the npower Test series begins next week. (ANI)