To mark Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday and 30 years since West Indies great Brian Lara’s innings of 277, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Monday (April 24) unveiled the gates at the stadium in the honour of the two cricket icons.
Lara and Tendulkar, who played some of their best innings at the SCG, have joined Sir Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris by having a set of gates named in their honour at the iconic venue.
“All visiting cricket players will take to the field through the Lara-Tendulkar Gates, which are situated between the Members Pavilion’s away dressing room and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand,” Sydney Cricket Ground’s media release stated.
During the annual New Year’s Test in Sydney, the Pakistan men’s cricket team is likely to be the first to enter through the Lara-Tendulkar Gates.
“The Sydney Cricket Ground has been my favourite ground away from India. I have had some great memories at the SCG right from my first tour of Australia in 1991-92. It is a great honour to have the gates used by all visiting cricketers to access the field of play at the SCG named after me and my good friend Brian,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying by SCG release.
“I would like to thank the team at the SCG and Cricket Australia and for this kind gesture. I look forward to visiting the SCG soon,” he added.
Lara said: "I'm deeply honoured to be recognised at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as I'm sure Sachin is. The ground holds many special memories for me and my family and I always enjoy visiting whenever I'm in Australia."
The gates were unveiled by SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Rod McGeoch AO and CEO Kerrie Mather, as well as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.
“Sachin Tendulkar’s record at the SCG is simply remarkable, while Brian Lara’s maiden Test century remains one of the most celebrated innings by a visiting player,” Ms Mather said.
“Both players continue to hold a deep affection for the SCG and they remain hugely popular whenever they visit Sydney.”
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley added: “As the cricketing world celebrates Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, this is a fitting and timely gesture by the SCG to recognise Sachin and Brian Lara as two legends of the international game with exceptional records at the SCG.
“Their feats will no doubt be an inspiration to not only visiting international teams, but all players fortunate enough to walk onto the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, for generations to come.”
