'I'd be frightened of doubting Sachin'

New Delhi: Australia legend Adam Gilchrist has lent his support to the out-of-form Sachin Tendulkar for the upcoming Test series against England.

Gilchrist said at a press conference here on Friday, "I'd be frightened of doubting the little god. He is a great player and he knows whether or not he should quit.

"If he thinks he warrants a place in the team he will carry on. Otherwise, he won't do anything that will have a negative impact on the team. He is aware of what all is happening around him. He has been a great servant to cricket and has earned the right to decide on when to quit."

The former Australia captain said Tendulkar is a smart guy and he will sure retire when he knows that he has nothing more to offer.

The wicketkeeper batsman, who played 96 Tests and 270 ODIs before retiring from international cricket in 2008, added that Sachin’s decision to play in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener starting Friday says a great deal about how keen the Indian batsman is to get back among runs.

"He is featuring in a Ranji match today and that tells you about his intent. Clearly, he is gearing up for the series against England. He knows how big the series is."

The 40-year-old, however, refused to pick a winner in the series. "I tell you what, it’s going to be a great series. The last time India played England in Tests, they lost all the four matches but that is unfathomable this time. Most nations are coming to the subcontinent frequently and they know what difficulties they are gonna face. They prepare themselves accordingly. I've not picked a winner just yet, but sure it’s going to a very evenly-poised series,” Gilchrist concluded.

The four-Test series starts from November 15 in Ahmedabad.

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