There are two big questions on the lips of cricket fans this week. When will Sachin Tendulkar reach his landmark one-hundredth international century? And, are England the finest Test side on the planet?
Tendulkar made his test début way back in 1989, aged 16, against Pakistan in Karachi. Coming into bat at number six, the youngster looked to have a tough job on his hands.
With Pakistan having been bowled out for a good first innings score of 409, the Indians were struggling at 41-4. To make matters worse, the Pakistan team of then had a formidable bowling attack which included both Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
It probably won't go down as one of Tendulkar's finest displays, as he was clean bowled by Younis for just 15 runs, and the game ended as a draw. What it was, however, was the beginning of an era.
It would probably be fate if The Little Master were to make his hundredth international century at some point in the coming series against England. It was the English who he scored his first century against at Old Trafford in 1990.
His first attempt will come on Thursday at Lords, the home of cricket. It is hard to believe that a man who has not only scored 100 against all of the test playing nations, but has scored 150 against them all too, does not have a Lord's century to his name.
It is something that Tendulkar has said would be a dream of his, but he is now down to his last attempt.
The second and third test matches are to be played at Nottinghamshire's Trent Bridge and Warwickshire's Edgbaston grounds. In 1996, Tendulkar enjoyed a fine summer against England which included centuries at both of those grounds.
The Oval, another ground he is yet to make a century on, is the venue for the fourth and final test.
Tendulkar has carved a reputation, down the years, for being the finest batsman of his generation – indeed, the most prolific run-maker and greatest cricketing icon of all time.
It has rightly been observed many times before, that he does not really have a weakness, with his balance, movement and precision stroke-play making him a truly terrifying opponent.
England off-spinner, Graeme Swann admitted this week that it would be wonderful to see Tendulkar reach the impressive 'century of centuries' milestone, but is determined not to let that happen in this series.
Fair enough, too. England have priorities of their own going into what is, aside from the Ashes, one of the most hyped Test series' of the Millennium.
As if winning a test match alone was not motivation enough, England have the added carrot of becoming the world number one test side should they win the series by a margin of two or more.
It is all very crowded at the top of the ICC World Rankings right now. India currently hold top spot, but South Africa and England are not far behind, and are looking to displace them.
No one can possibly predict the outcome of such an eagerly anticipated series, but one thing is for sure; over the next few weeks, cricket fans the world over are going to be in for a treat.
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