Tendulkar probably the greatest batsman I've ever seen play, live: Clarke

Wellington, Feb.25 (ANI): Australian Twenty-20 captain Michael Clarke has described India's Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest batsman he has ever seen playing live, and was not surprised whenhe became the first player to score a double hundred in a one-day international.

Tendulkar hit a majestic 200 not out in Gwalior against South Africa on Wednesday, beating the previous highest score of 194, jointly made by Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry against Bangladesh in Bulawayo in 2009 and Pakistan's Saeed Anwar against India at Chennai in 1997.

"His record speaks for itself. I can't say I'm surprised. He's probably the greatest batsman I've ever seen play, live," The Age quoted Clarke, as saying here.

India claimed a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, as Tendulkar added the ODI highest-score record to his world marks for most runs and centuries in Tests and one-day cricket.

"I didn't watch any of it but I'd like to get back this afternoon and see some highlights," said Clarke as his Australia Twenty20 side prepared for Friday's clash with New Zealand.

Clarke says the 36-year-old's Tendulkar's longevity in the game has been one of his greatest achievements.

"He's a wonderful guy and someone I not only enjoy watching on TV, but I've loved having the opportunity to play against him as well," said Clarke, 28.

"He has got so much class. His greatest strength is the longevity, to be able to be so successful at a young age and to still be doing the same thing 20 years on.

"He made his (Test) debut at 16 and he's still as good as ever, if not better. We're blessed to still have such a great player playing this game." (ANI)