Nottingham: Graham Gooch was the captain when Sachin Tendulkar played his first Test series in England, way back in 1990. On Sunday, the day after the maestro completed 11,000 Test runs, The Telegraph spoke to Gooch about his maiden tour to these parts.

The following are excerpts

On what he remembers most about Sachin’s first Test in England (Lord’s, 1990)

What struck me then was his athleticism... He took a good catch to dismiss Allan Lamb (off Narendra Hirwani) in the second innings... Sachin didn’t score many (10 and 27), but more than made up in the next Test (Old Trafford), where his maiden hundred denied us victory...

On the impression Sachin made as a batsman

What struck me and my teammates was his maturity... He’d only recently turned 17, but his head-balance was good and he had the shots... Sachin didn’t feel out of place... He didn’t look lost... Basically, he wasn’t overawed by the big stage...

On Sachin’s unbeaten 119 at Old Trafford

He frustrated us and showed that he was a very fine player in the making. Even then, Sachin managed his game very well. He’d been under pressure, but didn’t allow the situation to get the better of him. (Adds laughing) I can’t remember the shots he played... The No. 1 memory of that innings is that he stood between us and a series-winning 2-0 lead.

On Sachin over the years

He has been consistent... It’s a pity he didn’t get a hundred today (Sunday)... The Trent Bridge crowd would’ve loved it... I sensed Sachin wanted to silence those who’d criticised him after Lord’s...

On the pressure Sachin has had to bear

Enormous, isn’t it? The supporters are fanatical... He’s carried the mantle very well, though... In Chelmsford (during the tour match against England Lions), I found him very relaxed... He was laughing... Was enjoying his cricket... After many years of being the flag-bearer, you want him to do that.

On Sachin as a person

He’s a super human being... Very modest... Humble... He’s not brash and, well, allows his cricket to do the talking... He has been an excellent ambassador for India and cricket.

On the Sachin versus Brian Lara debate

You’re speaking of two greats with somewhat similar records... If you were looking purely at entertainment, you’d probably go for Lara... Having said that, over the years, Sachin has been a model of consistency... He’s gone about his job quietly... It would be better not having to choose between Lara and Sachin.

On whether Sachin could come close to 50 Test hundreds

He needs 13... It’s some way off, but he could get there... It’s possible if he wants to play for three-four years... But, when you’re 34, you’re seen as being in the last phase of your career.

Finally, on what the youngsters should learn the most from Sachin

Look at how he watches the ball... How he keeps his head still... Watch his footwork... His footwork was fantastic yesterday (Saturday)... Actually, there’s so much to learn from Sachin.