It hardly seems a fitting farewell from Australia for the great Sachin Tendulkar.
But what is likely to be the 38-year-old’s last innings in this country will take place on its smallest stage at Bellerive in Hobart, with India all but on their flight home after a forgettable tour.
The Little Master will need to produce one last piece of brilliance to get his side the bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka they need to stay in the tri-series.
Tendulkar’s ability to conjure the 100th international century that has eluded him all tour is not being discounted by Sri Lanka, who would also need to lose their last game against Australia to miss the finals.
“You never know,” said captain Mahela Jayawardene.
“I’ve played against him on so many occasions, he’s produced some brilliant individual performances.
“They’re a good side so you have to expect something different from them I’m sure because they need a big win.”
A 4-0 whitewash in the Test series and a failure to make the one-day finals would be nothing short of a disaster for the World Cup holders.
They slipped into Hobart on Monday afternoon following an 87-run loss to Australia the night before and left the talking about Tuesday’s crucial match to their opponents.
Another controversy, this time around run out decisions involving Tendulkar and David Hussey, had some wondering whether the distractions are getting to MS Dhoni’s men.
“I have to feel for them. It’s been a long tour, especially when you’re not winning it becomes a much longer tour,” Jayawardene said.
“Some of the incidents have to be fair on the Indians.
“Hussey’s incident (where he handled the ball while making a run), it could have gone either way.
“A lot of things have been happening so hopefully the next few games we have, let’s hope that there’s no unwanted incidents.”
The Sri Lankans’ sympathy might only extend so far, although Jayawardene played a dead bat when asked if he would send India in to make the bonus point tougher to achieve.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” he said.
“We’ll have a look at the wicket tomorrow, make a tactical call what we need to do.
“We’re just going to take it as a normal game and try and win the game, that’s our attitude.”
Jayawardene said opener Tillakaratne Dilshan would be fit to play after he was struck on the hand in the nets on Monday.
The batsman left training for treatment but returned and medical staff expect swelling to reduce overnight.
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