Kuala Lumpur, September 15:

Sachin Tendulkar’s 40th one-day century on his return to international cricket has sent an ominous warning to Australia ahead of Saturday’s match against India in a tri-series tournament. “I have always said Sachin is the best player I have seen. Best player I have played against,” Australia captain Ricky Ponting said on Friday. “It’s a pretty good package when he is at his best.”

After a masterly knock of unbeaten 141 against the West Indies on Thursday, Tendulkar declared that his shoulder is fully recovered after the surgery in March that kept him out of international cricket for more than six months. “I am feeling absolutely fine and as far as playing shots (is concerned), there hasn’t been any difficulty at all,” said Tendulkar. It will be the first Australia-India clash since Australian Greg Chappell took over as India’s coach last year. Chappell’s presence gives India an edge, said Ponting.

“I have only heard good things about Greg as a coach. Being familiar with the Australian players, he will have a fair bit of knowledge to pass to the Indians about us,” said Ponting.