Australia's Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke rates Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman he has ever seen and said he is not really surprised to see the iconic Indian smashing the first double century in the history of One-day cricket. "His record speaks for itself. I can't say I'm surprised," said Clarke, who is here for Australian team's tour of New Zealand.
"He's probably the greatest batsman I've ever seen play, live," Clarke was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Tendulkar's unbeaten 200 at Gwalior was a batting master class that flattened South Africa and India won by 153 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
"I didn't watch any of it but I'd like to get back this afternoon and see some highlights," said Clarke, ahead of Australia's first Twenty20 match against New Zealand.
Clarke was particularly impressed with Tendulkar's longevity and said cricket was blessed to have such a genius.
"He's a wonderful guy and someone I not only enjoy watching on TV, but I've loved having the opportunity to play against him as well," said Clarke.
"He has got so much class. His greatest strength is the longevity, to be able to be so successful at a young age and to still be doing the same thing 20 years on.
"He made his (Test) debut at 16 and he's still as good as ever, if not better. We're blessed to still have such a great player playing this game," he added.