'Way ahead of the others'

NEW DELHI, India (CMC):

Batting great Sir Vivian Richards believes it is only a matter of time before Indian prodigy Sachin Tendulkar scores 50 Test centuries and says it will be difficult for any modern player to surpass that record.

The 37-year-old Tendulkar currently has 49 centuries and is expected to fly to the Caribbean next year to face West Indies in a three-Test series from June 20 to July 10.

Sir Viv, here on a promotional tour for next year's Cricket World Cup, said Tendulkar's feats would be hard to emulate.

"He can certainly achieve that (50 Test centuries). I think the way the games are going at present, it would be very difficult for anyone to break that record. He is way ahead of others," Richards said Saturday.

"I can't see any individual, the closest guy who would come to that may be Ricky (Ponting). But the way things are going on in Australia, they are calling for his head, so I don't know really know how long he will be around.

"He is the only individual, I think, who could be close to Sachin's record. But I think it would be hard to surpass."

Tendulkar is currently unrivalled in contemporary cricket. In addition to his 49 centuries, he has compiled an amazing 14,366 runs from 172 Tests at an average of 56 and has already smashed a staggering 17,598 runs in one-day internationals, along with 46 centuries.

Double century

The right-hander is the only player to have scored a double century in ODIs with his chanceless unbeaten 200 against South Africa earlier this year.

Of current players, Ponting is the closest to Tendulkar in Tests with 12,320 runs and 39 hundreds, while South African Jacques Kallis is next in line with 11,449 runs and 37 Test hundreds.

Indian Rahul Dravid is the only other player with more than 30 Test hundreds with 31 and 11,943 runs.

Sir Viv, considered the most feared batsman of his era, said Tendulkar's success had been a testimony to his great character.

"Tendulkar is 37, still going great. It's all about how you have conducted yourself," said Sir Viv, who finished a glittering Test career with 8,540 and 24 centuries, 19 years ago.

"I guess there were times when it looked pretty doubtful with injuries - starting with the back - would have most certainly affected his career but it's due to persistence, dedication, discipline and confidence that you survive for so long."