Sachin Tendulkar is congratulated by Australia's fielders after breaking Brian Lara's record aggregate of Test runs.




India's selectors gambled on his prodigious success as a schoolboy when handing Tendulkar his Test debut aged 16




His childhood idol in sport is John McEnroe, and this early photo reveals his interest in tennis




In August 1990, he hits the first of a world record 39 Test centuries, against England at Old Trafford




Less than three years later, he adds a century on home soil against England in Madras, and celebrates in style



Tendulkar enjoys tremendous success in one-day cricket, here hitting out against Kenya at the 1999 World Cup




As captain on the 1999-2000 tour of Australia, Tendulkar practises his bowling - but he struggles as a leader



By the time of the 2001 home series against England, his appeal amongst fans has reached boiling point



Before the one-day series decider against England at his home ground in Mumbai, he gives a lift to a six-year-old cancer sufferer




Tendulkar is named player of the tournament at the 2003 World Cup, where India reach the final but lose to Australia



By the following winter, Tendulkar's most productive years are behind him, but taking his wicket is always a big moment




Injuries also begin to take their toll, with wear-and-tear strains to various joints keeping him out for much of 2006





In June 2006, he returns to fitness with a masterful century for charity side Lashings against Cambridge University at Fenner's





Just another face in the Wimbledon crowd? Tendulkar often brings his family to England to get away from the spotlight




His 39th Test century, a record in itself, comes in the Adelaide Test in January 2008 as he starts his 20th calendar year of Test action