Lewis wants Sachin’s name on 2000th Test scorecard

Lewis wants Sachin's name on 2000th Test scorecard

Former England captain and Chairman of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) World Cricket Committee, Tony Lewis said it will be a shot in the arm for the sport as Sachin Tendulkar's name adorns the scorecard of the 2000th Test and centenary India-England Test that gets underway at Lord's on July 21.

"It is always a pleasure to meet and watch Sachin. His name on the scorecard of the 2000th Test will be a huge attraction. I have seen a lot of his career and admire the way he has harnessed his natural talent to a massive career with the bat. He will have a welcome at Lord's forever," said the 72-year old, who has chaired MCC's Cricket Committee ufffd a position that he will retire from on July 19.

Lewis said that it was a happy coincidence that the 2000th Test will be staged at the home of cricket. "We have known about the 100th Test (at Lord's) for a long time, but only recently has the statistician's delight ufffd a 2000th Test come to light. It's an honour, and very satisfying that two great teams will battle on a special occasion," Lewis told MiD DAY.

There's something special about July 21 - the 2005 Ashes series started on this day. South Africa played a Test in England for the first time in 29 years on July 21, 1994 and July 21, 1884, saw the first ever Test match played at Lord's. Waiting with bated breath for the centenary India-England Test that gets underway on the auspicious day, Lewis revealed MCC's plans for the big event. "Besides offering our usual hospitality in the President's and Secretary's Box, I will be hosting the World Cricket Committee in the Committee Room on Day One," said Lewis.