Adelaide: The Master, as Team India mates call Sachin Tendulkar, scripted yet another Test hundred — 39th overall and first at the Adelaide Oval — on Thursday. Later, he took questions from the media and, on returning to the Hyatt, briefly spoke separately to The Telegraph.

The following are excerpts

On whether he’d been more determined to get a hundred at the Adelaide Oval as it’s one venue where he didn’t have a three-figure innings (previous best being 61 in 1999-00) in Tests

I knew this hadn’t been a great ground and, so, I was determined... Yes... I realised I had to get a big one... This also happens to be Sir Don’s home ground...

On whether his latest hundred could be seen as a tribute to Sir Don

When I was batting, I obviously wasn’t thinking of that... I was concentrating on what I had to do, but I’m very pleased with this hundred.

On whether he’d like to dedicate it to anybody

(Shrugs) Well, no...

On whether he sees this hundred as one of his most complete innings

A hundred is special, more so when the team needs it... I’m quite happy, for I played some big shots and also defended... It was important to stay out there, watch the ball and play on merit... If somebody’s bowling well, like Brett Lee, then you need to give him respect and play out that spell.

On having hit two hundreds (No.1 in Sydney) in the first 24 days of the year

I haven’t been counting, but it’s nice that they’re coming my way. I’m enjoying it.

On being conscious about venues where he hasn’t got a Test hundred

Generally, not really... But scoring a hundred isn’t everything and there’s more to cricket... I’ve been focusing that way and, if in doing so, one gets a hundred then why not?

On the standing ovation he’s been receiving at grounds across Australia

It’s truly special, very overwhelming... Sometimes I need to look at the scoreboard to figure out whether I’m batting on a 100-plus or I’m on zero! The fantastic ovation has made this trip very, very special... I want to thank each and everyone.

On whether Australia can be considered his second home

(Laughs) I have only one home, India...

On whether it’s been an emotional period for him

I don’t want to be emotional... I want to stay focused and get runs... I haven’t been thinking that this could be my last Test (in Australia).

On Australia bringing the best out of him

I’ve always tried to give off my best against every opposition... Australia’s a tough team and it’s challenging to score against them... It’s satisfying as well.

On having been content with throw-downs instead of full-fledged nets in the build-up to the Test

I go with whatever I need to work on... If there are areas where I feel I need to be working on, then I do so... I don’t bother much about whether I should be getting into the nets or... I go by the feel... By what I feel comfortable... If I feel I’m ready for the match, then other things don’t matter.

On when does he feel that he’s really in when out in the middle

It’s a tough question... Hadn’t thought about it... When you’re middling the ball is when you know you’re in... There are days when the feet move well and there are days when they don’t... You need to wait for the particular moment when your level of confidence shoots up..

On when that “moment” came on Day I

Probably when I played the first straight drive off Lee... I middled the ball well and the shot went exactly where I wanted it to.

On having hit a six (off Michael Clarke) in the nineties

The wind was behind me and I thought I should use it a bit... I knew that even if I didn’t middle the ball, the wind would still help. I timed it well.

On whether he had to restrain himself after that six took him to 98

If the ball was there to be put away, I was prepared to do so again...

On the wind also being a factor for batsmen

Absolutely.

On Lee’s bowling

He had a fantastic second spell... He’s been their top bowler throughout the series and hasn’t given us any breathing space at all. Right through, he’s bowled in fantastic areas.

On having taken on Brad Hogg

There were patches when he bowled well and there were patches when I thought I could put the ball away... I waited for those opportunities and made it count.

On whether, more than being guided by the conditions, he sets out to target specific bowlers

No... I don’t think like that... Any bowler can get you out, so I don’t take things for granted... One can get into trouble if one does that... It depends on the flow of my innings... If I pick the ball early enough, then I’ll put it away.

On whether he’s open to suggestions from those around him

Always open, even if I’m batting well, because there are times when you don’t realise what mistakes are being made... However, the non-striker immediately notices them... I keep telling teammates that don’t wait for me to repeat a mistake... I’m open to advice, opinions... That can only make you a better player... I’m an easy-going person.

On Team India fielding five specialist bowlers

The decision has to be commented upon by the captain (Anil Kumble)... No.2 onwards our batting order didn’t change... Irfan Pathan opened because he’d done well against the second new ball in Perth... He’d got useful runs and isn’t someone who is a tailender... He can bat and has a big heart.

On the road ahead for India in the final Test

Putting up a big total in the first innings will be the key... Later on, the wicket could have big cracks... We’d like to score as many as possible tomorrow (Friday)... We’ll give it our best shot... Put up our best performance... The first spells tomorrow are going to be important...

On the role he expects Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to play

A big one... The wicket has bounce for the spinners too... The cracks will also start widening... It’s a fantastic track right now and we need to concentrate harder.

On sporting a Bjorn Borg-like stubble

(Laughs) I enjoyed his and John McEnroe’s tennis... I supported McEnroe, though... No, the stubble has nothing to do with Borg.

On pairing up with Roger Federer, in the near future, for a social cause-specific ad commissioned by the Swiss

Of course I’m excited... McEnroe was my favourite, Federer is... However, I don’t have details of the shoot as yet.

Finally, on British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s call for the likes of him to be considered for knighthood

Frankly, I’m not aware of the technicalities, but it will be an honour if I get knighted.