Tendulkar backs beleaguered Parthiv

The master-blaster has come out in support of wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel after criticism of his work behind the stumps against Australia.

Sachin Tendulkar has come out in support of wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel after criticism of his work behind the stumps in the first two Tests against Australia, saying the teenager has done a "good job".

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"I think Parthiv has done a good job. I know there were plenty of guys criticising his wicket keeping, but we've just got to understand that the ups and downs are always going to be there in everybody's career. You need support when the chips are down," Tendulkar told a TV channel.

Tendulkar, who missed the first two Tests against Australia due to a tennis elbow, pointed out that everyone had forgotten Parthiv's contribution with the bat.

"Nobody wants support when you're doing well. Parthiv also has been able to play some crucial innings for us, like in the second Test in Nottingham in 2002, when he saved the game for us," Tendulkar said.

"Everyone went gaga over Parthiv then and the same people are criticising him now. I don't agree with that," he said.

Parthiv scored 46 and 4 at Bangalore in the first Test against Australia that India lost by 217 runs and 54 in the next drawn Test at Chennai.