The chance to officiate the Ranji semifinal match at the Wankhede Stadium has brought back many pleasant memories for English umpire Peter Hartley. For him, the venue is special as it's home to his former teammate at Yorkshire, Sachin Tendulkar.
Playing alongside the Indian legend is one of the highs of Hartley's county career and the former all-rounder, who reached the city to officiate the Ranji clash between Mumbai and TN, remembers the days when Tendulkar joined Yorkshire as the first overseas player in 1992.
"He was 19 when he joined us. He was so shy and reluctant to venture out of his room. We tried to convince him to enjoy his stay in England but he remained confined to his room," said Hartley, whose first-class record stands at 4321 runs and 683 wickets.
"One day we convinced him to accompany us to a nearby restaurant promising Indian cuisine. However, he told us he would not like to be mobbed on the streets. We laughed at him but once we reached the hotel, our time was mostly spent shifting from one table to another after having photography sessions with families present there," recollected Hartley.
"And if that was not enough, finally the manager of the hotel arrived and waived off our food bill." Speaking about the much-awaited century, Hartley said, "He will reach the milestone. Form is temporary, class is permanent."
{{/usCountry}}"And if that was not enough, finally the manager of the hotel arrived and waived off our food bill." Speaking about the much-awaited century, Hartley said, "He will reach the milestone. Form is temporary, class is permanent."
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