Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar's exploits are mesmerising, especially his record in Australia where he has always been prolific with the bat. However, one series Down Under continues to be a blip for Tendulkar.
However, speaking at a book launch, Tendulkar revealed the reason for his poor performances at the 2011-12 India tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Master Blaster said that he was playing through a recurring toe injury during the series.
He scored only 287 runs in the four-Test series at an average of 35.87.
Sachin was diagnosed with a toe injury against South Africa in 2000. The injury recurred the following year, which kept the batsman unavailable for selection for the Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
He suffered the same injury in the 2011-12 Border-Gavaskar trophy, which India lost 4-0. At the event, Tendulkar recalled that the pain was unbearable, and the local doctors in Australia advised him to undergo surgery.
MORE: Everything you need to know about WTC Final
“(In Australia) toe was very painful and unbearable. I had used bandages, changed my insoles twice, and was just managing to play somehow. Most of the tour was over, but my frustration was only increasing”, Tendulkar said in Marathi.
Tendulkar also shared that his wife Anjali traveled to Australia within 48 hours to help him make the right decision. Anjali forced Tendulkar not to go for the surgery as it was risky.
“I said ‘I am informing the team that I cannot play, I am in pain, and it is difficult’, after hearing this, Anjali came to Brisbane literally in 48 hours only to stop me, to not have this surgery,” said Tendulkar. He recalled that doctors said if the surgery went unsuccessful, he would have to be in a wheelchair for at least six weeks.
Former India wicket-keeper Kiran More, pacer Zaheer Khan, and former coach Aunshuman Gaekwad were among those present at the launch of the book, titled “Scintillating Sachin”, and titled “Shatkant Ekach” in Marathi.
What is Sachin Tendulkar's Test record in Australia
Sachin Tendulkar has an enviable Test record in Australia with the bat. Sydney is one of his favourite grounds ever but one of the best from Sachin's blade was a masterful ton on a challenging Perth wicket in 1992 as an 18-year-old.
MORE: Bet on the World Test Championship in India here
Overall, Sachin averages 55 against the Australian team Down Under which is extremely impressive.
| Tests | Runs | Batting Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Average | Catches |
| 39 | 3630 | 55.00 | 241* | 11 | 16 | 11 | 3/31 | 51.54 | 23 |
