Cambridge, June 23:

Sachin Tendulkar has been tipped for a swift return to the top of world cricket after smashing his way to a century in his first match since undergoing shoulder surgery in March.

Suggestions that Tendulkar Indian legend is no longer quite the player he was looked wide of the mark as Tendulkar displayed his full range of shots on his way to a knock of 155 for Lashings World XI in a match against Cambridge University on Wednesday. The innings included several perfectly executed pull shots, suggesting Tendulkar’s shoulder is in good shape.”

Former England all-rounder Phil DeFreitas was one who watched in awe from the boundary. “Touch and class never go away and he showed it,” said the Lashings 12th man.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes the Tendulkar could have several rich batting years ahead of him. “Great batting talent never dies,” he said. “Steve Waugh played until 38 and Graham Gooch too played great cricket late in his career. Sachin was the top-run-scorer in the last World Cup — maybe he can be the top run-scorer in the next one.”

Tendulkar had needed just 91 balls to bring up his 100 and powered on in similar vein before being caught at mid-on while trying to pull a full toss.