Don't count Tendulkar out

India's greatest batsman may well ponder over his future after becoming the highest run-getter in Test cricket.

The usual fluency was lacking as Sachin Tendulkar overhauled Brian Lara's aggregate. But his innings of 88 was instrumental in India staging a fightback and eventually winning the Test against the touring Australians.

With over 12,000 runs and 19 years of top cricket, Tendulkar has achieved enough. No one can dare deny that Tendulkar is among the greatest players ever to play the game.

A bothersome elbow has troubled Tendulkar for a long period now. This has led to him missing out on many international fixtures in the latter half of his career.

Hence it would be very difficult to judge the kind of form Tendulkar is in. Early this year, he was playing magnificently in Australia. Then after an injury break, he fared miserably In Sri Lanka.

He has batted reasonably well in the first two Tests against Australia. His trademark drives were still there though the usual aggression was missing.

This was particularly in focus when he faced two ordinary spinners, Michael Clarke and Cameron White. Tendulkar chose to stay in the crease and defend rather than use his feet and loft as he is wont to do.

But one must not read too much into this. Tendulkar did not play any serious cricket in the lead up to the Australian series and is still finding his feet.

With a few more Tests coming up, including against old rivals Pakistan, Tendulkar has enough time to decide on what course of action he should take.

Age will not be a barrier. Cricketers these days are much fitter and can extend their career even up to the age of 40.

Steve Waugh was still in the peak of his powers when he retired at 38. Lara was 37 when he finished.

England were recently considering recalling Mark Ramprakash, who is 39.

The crucial thing for Tendulkar will be his form and whether he still enjoys the game. The latter factor may not weigh so much as Tendulkar is obsessed with the game.

Critics have been saying that Tendulkar has become more circumspect in his approach and does not dominate the bowling as he did before.

That does not matter either as long as he gets runs. There is nothing wrong in being a Master Builder rather than a Master Blaster. That is Tendulkar's choice.

Even Lara was not so dominant in the latter part of his career. Put it down to maturity or slowing reflexes, but the run flow never stopped.

Tendulkar needs a decent run before he can decide. On the evidence of his form in Australia, there is a lot of life left in the old dog yet.

Tendulkar brings pure joy to cricket. The longer he stays, the better it is for the game.