Dhaka, Dec 11: Sachin Tendulkar, who joined Sunil Gavaskar as the leading century-maker in Test cricket, today described his record-equalling 34th century as a "turning point" in his career which he still believed was not past its prime. The champion batsman did not agree with suggestions that he had gone past his prime and said he will continue to "hit back" at critics in this fashion.

"I don't believe it. It is not the first time that I've heard such talk but I've hit back again and I'll continue this way," said Tendulkar, who was unbeaten on 159 at close on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh. Tendulkar was elated at his feat but did not want to think about the magnitude of his achievement.

"It's a great feeling to equal Gavaskar's record and a great honour to get there," Tendulkar said. "But I don't want to be thinking like I have scored 34 hundreds. If I do that I would rather remain home and let someone else play in my place," he said. Asked whether he was feeling under age as Gavaskar got to the mark at the age of 37, Tendulkar said, "I hope age does not catch up with my average."

"I was cracking this joke in the dressing room that every time we go out to bat we have to now announce our age (on TV). So Rahul and Sourav have to say they are 31 and Kumble has to say a bit more. So I find myself okay," he said. Asked whether he has now got back his fluency after his lean patch since the Pakistan series, the 31-year-old star batsman said, "I would say that (I got back my fluency). It was a Catch-22 situation and the build up was gradual." (Agencies) 

Published: Sunday, December 12, 2004

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