Sachin Tendulkar has just completed his 12,000th run going past Brian Lara and I see he also claimed his 100th Test catch to finish the game off against Australia. Well done Sachin.

While I have always said Brian Lara is the best man I have ever bowled to, Sachin is right up there and deserves his place in history. I am absolutely delighted for him as we have always had a friendly relationship and I like to think a deep respect for one another’s ability.

The statisticians tell me that I have taken Sachin’s wicket seven times in 15 Test matches and I can tell you that this is never an easy task. Any Test wicket is enjoyable, it doesn’t matter who they are, but Sachin’s is always especially satisfying. He has always been difficult to dislodge while you know that if you are not on your game he could take you apart in the same way that Brian Lara could.

I am proud and privileged to share a similar record to Sachin (being the highest Test wicket-taker of all-time) and to think that we both sit on top of the world together as champions is a nice feeling.

We were determined not to allow him to achieve this record against us in the last season when India came to Sri Lanka. Had he been successful we probably would not have won the series. He did not score above 40 and that the fact we went on to win the series says a lot about his importance to their side.

Sachin is like me in that team success always means so much more than personal accolades but despite his modesty and humility this is his moment and I wish him all the best for now and the future.