Brilliant Tendulkar wants more runs Published: 20 December 2010

Sachin Tendulkar is determined to continue his record-breaking form after becoming the first batsman to score 50 Test centuries.

The 37-year-old’s unbeaten second innings knock of 111, against South Africa in Centurion, took him to the unprecedented landmark in what was his 175th Test.

Tendulkar, also the most capped player and highest run scorer in Test history, is in some of the best form of his career having struck seven of his 50 hundreds in the last calendar year.

He is now only four short of becoming the first man to score 100 international centuries, having made 46 ton's in his 442 One Day International appearances.

"Every innings, I want to go out and score runs." said Tendulkar, who plays for India at Lord’s in 2011.

"It's extremely important to have that hunger, that's what keeps you going."

'Little Master' keeps scoring

Tendulkar averages a remarkable 85.72 from 13 Tests this year and in October regained the number one Test batting ranking he last occupied in 2002.

He has since been replaced by Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara but has continued his magnificent form through to South Africa. His latest run-scoring feat has put him on the brink of retaking the number one spot, as he and Sangakkara continue to trade places frequently.

The ‘Little Master,’ has appeared in 618 internationals for India but his thirst for runs appears undiminished.

He added: "I'm just really enjoying my batting at the moment and when you are striking the ball really well and moving well, you need to cash in as much as possible.

"It's just another number but it's nice, I'm very happy that it came at this moment." Tendulkar said.

Man for all nations

Tendulkar has hit centuries against every Test nation.

The largest number (11) have come against Australia - a statistic only bettered by England's Jack Hobbs who scored 12 centuries against the Aussies.

His next most punished opponent is Sri Lanka (9), followed by England (7). He has also has the distinguished record of having hit more centuries away from home (28) than anybody else.

However, he has never made a century at the Home of Cricket.

His last opportunity to etch his name onto the famous Lord's Honours Board could come in the opening Test against England next summer.

England v India at Lord's - 2011