A file photograph of Sachin Tendulkar
As 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar turned 45 on Tuesday, Cricket Australia decided to play spoilsport amid birthday celebration that saw warm wishes pouring in for the legendary batsman from across the globe.
Coincidentally, Sachin shares his birthday with former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming. Intending to wish Fleming on his 48th birthday, the Cricket Australia tweeted a video in which the right-handed pacer can be seen dismissing Tendulkar.
"Some @bowlologist gold from the man himself - happy birthday, Damien Fleming!"
Furious over the whole episode, Tendulkar fans slammed the Cricket Australia and made them recall the recent ball-tampering scandal that maligned the image of Australian cricket.
Earlier in the day, from former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif to star boxer Vijender Singh all took to their official Twitter handles to wish the master blaster on his special day.
Posting a picture of him with the former opener, Kaif recalled 2003 World Cup match against Pakistan in Centurion, where Tendulkar displayed `focus and intensity`.
"Centurion 2003 was one of the best days in my life.Not just because we beat Pakistan in a WC match but because I got to witness from a distance of just 22 yards,a display of focus,intensity & genius. What a man, your glory will be unsurpassed @sachin_rt paaji #HappyBirthdaySachin," he wrote.
Former cricketer VVS Laxman also wished Tendulkar on his birthday, while adding that he would always remain an inspiration for many for his brilliant contribution to the game.
Laxman wrote, "Happy Birthday dear @sachin_rt . You are and will always remain an inspiration. It's wonderful to see you contribute towards society with some really good initiatives even after your retirement. Wish you success always. #HappyBirthdaySachin."
Wishing Tendulkar a `very Happy Birthday`, Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh tweeted," Still The Chants SACHIN SACHIN Gives Goosebumps To Us.#HappyBirthdaySachin @sachin_rt The Man Who Carried Emotions Of The People Of A Nation For 24 Years. More Power To You."
Considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Tendulkar is the highest run scorer of all time in international cricket--having notched up 18,426 ODI runs and 15,921 Test cricket runs.
He is the only cricketer to have hit 100 international centuries, and the first to score a double century in ODIs.
The Mumbaikar received India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 2014. He is the youngest recipient to date and the first ever sportsperson to receive the award.
(With ANI inputs)
