Pakistan’s in-form batsman Abid Ali recently said that Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar inspires him and his style of game is very much influenced by the batting great icon as well. Abid, 32, who recently scored centuries in his first two Test matches against Sri Lanka and also a maiden century on his One Day International debut last year prepares himself by watching videos of Tendulkar’s batting and also to improve himself.

“Obviously there are other great batsmen as well that I admire but I have tried to adapt my game to the way Tendulkar played,” Abid Ali told the media in Lahore.

“From the start I have watched his videos and I watch him bat more because of his height as I am also of similar height. This has helped me pick up and adopt his batting strengths,” he further added.

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However, he certainly doesn’t want to be called the Pakistani Tendulkar too. He also said that batsmen who are short height had to play differently compared to their taller teammates. Abid Ali, who has scored centuries on his Test and ODI debuts, said that he was aware that he could equal former Indian captain Muhammad Azharuddin’s record of smashing tons in his first three Tests as well. Azharuddin, who led India in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs from 1990 to 91 scored tons against England on his debut in 1984-85.

“When we play Bangladesh in the Test next month in Rawalpindi, I will have that in mind. But I can only try to give my best and play positively. Scoring a third century is very important for me as well but I can only give it my best effort,”Abid Ali concluded.