- Joined
- 6 May 2012
- Messages
- 5,049
- Solutions
- 6
- Reaction score
- 8,894
AUSTRALIA has 6515 reasons not to honour Sachin Tendulkar.
But the run tally against Australia did not stop Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Tuesday announcing, during her first official visit to India, that the cricketing legend would be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
The 39-year-old, who made his test and one-day debut in 1989, is considered one of the world's greatest batsmen.
Having played 190 tests and 463 one-day internationals, he's the only cricketer to score a hundred centuries in international cricket.
And his record against Australia has been devastating - 3438 runs in test cricket and 11 wickets, with a high score of 241.
In one-day internationals the tally against the boys from Down Under is 3077 runs with a high score of 175 and 20 wickets.
The honour is already creating controversy.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott said on Twitter on Tuesday: "Does anyone have a problem with Aust honours being handed out to citizens of other nations? I'm probably on a limb, but I don't like it."
Ms Gillard told reporters that cricket was a "great bond" between Australia and India and it was a rare honour.
"This is a very special recognition of such a great batsman," she said.
Cabinet minister Simon Crean will attend the award ceremony in India in early November.
West Indian cricket greats Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd are previous recipients of Australian honours.
Error Page
But the run tally against Australia did not stop Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Tuesday announcing, during her first official visit to India, that the cricketing legend would be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
The 39-year-old, who made his test and one-day debut in 1989, is considered one of the world's greatest batsmen.
Having played 190 tests and 463 one-day internationals, he's the only cricketer to score a hundred centuries in international cricket.
And his record against Australia has been devastating - 3438 runs in test cricket and 11 wickets, with a high score of 241.
In one-day internationals the tally against the boys from Down Under is 3077 runs with a high score of 175 and 20 wickets.
The honour is already creating controversy.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott said on Twitter on Tuesday: "Does anyone have a problem with Aust honours being handed out to citizens of other nations? I'm probably on a limb, but I don't like it."
Ms Gillard told reporters that cricket was a "great bond" between Australia and India and it was a rare honour.
"This is a very special recognition of such a great batsman," she said.
Cabinet minister Simon Crean will attend the award ceremony in India in early November.
West Indian cricket greats Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd are previous recipients of Australian honours.
Error Page
