Less ODIs would prolong Tendulkar's career: Border

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar should cut down on his limited over appearances to prolong his Test career, feels former Australia captain Allan Border."I have high esteem for Tendulkar andhis achievements in international cricket. But I think, it would be better forhim to appear in fewer limited over matches, including one-dayers. It would helphim to prolong his Test career," Border said.Border, who made 11,174runs for Australia from 156 Tests, feels Tendulkar's ability to handle pressureis the mantra behind his success in internationalcricket."Representing your country for 20 years in internationalarena is not a small achievement. There is always a lot of pressure on aninternational cricketer and I must say Tendulkar has managed it beautifully,"Border said.Tendulkar, who has till date scored 12,773 runs from 159Tests, since making his debut against Pakistan in Karachi way back in1989."Like many others, his career was also disturbed by injuries.But even after many ups and downs, Tendulkar still has the same passion and lovefor the game," said Border, who is here as the brand ambassador of Airtel DelhiHalf Marathon to be held on Sunday."Tendulkar is a player who alwayslooks for improvement. It would be very difficult for others to climb to hisstature," the former left-handed batsman said.Border also expects akeen contest between India and Australia in the ongoing seven-match ODI series,but feels the hosts have the momentum after last night's comprehensivewin."After thrashing Australia in the second match, India certainlyhas gained the momentum. But both the teams are evenly powerful and I expect aclose finish, probably a 4-3," the 54-year-old Aussie said.Riding onskipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's breathtaking 107-ball 124, India crushedAustralia by 99 runs to claw their way back into the series, which is nowlevelled at 1-1."India would have a slight edge because they knowthe environment. And it is always difficult to deal with so many injuries whileplaying such a long series. It's very important to keep the key players fit,"Border said.Australia's injury woes deepened when wicketkeeper TimPaine was ruled out for the rest of the series after he broke his finger duringthe second ODI in Nagpur."The team (Australia) is still going thougha transition period after retirements of players like Shane Warne, AdamGilchrist and Justin Langer. It is always difficult to fill the void," Bordersaid.He also lavished praise on India captain Dhoni for hisleadership qualities."Dhoni is a aggressive captain and he hasbrought about that attitude in the squad. He is leading by example like what hedid in the last match. He is also getting support from his team-mates," Bordersaid.