London/Chennai, Dec. 16 : Can batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar be regarded as a unifying factor In India. Most certainly yes, if you ask John Etheridge of the Sun.

According to Etheridge, Tendulkar has always been able to unite India and bring joy to its billion inhabitants.

But he says that what he did in Chennai on Monday was extraordinary even by his exalted standards.

"He is the Mother Teresa of cricket, a great little person, and his century helped ease the pain and suffering (of the Mumbai terror attacks).

The Little Master completed his 41st century with the winning boundary that took India to the fourth-highest successful run chase in the history of Test cricket . . . 387.

Forget that England bowled poorly and surrendered by six wickets in a match that they dominated for three days. Remember instead Tendulkar's innings and what it means to this cricket-obsessed nation.

Perhaps the man himself can explain it best.

He said: "There's no way I'd say this will make everyone forget what has happened in Mumbai but it was a wonderful match and people are again enjoying cricket the way it is meant to be. What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate. I don't think India winning or me scoring a hundred will make the people who lost loved ones feel better. It is a terrible loss and our hearts are with them - but we will try to help them in whatever manner we can."

"I look at it (the terror strike) as an attack on India, not just Mumbai, and it should hurt every Indian. It was one of the most emotional moments I've had on a cricket field. I dedicate this hundred to all the people of India, especially those who have gone through terrible times," The Sun quotes Tendulkar, as saying. (ANI)