Lara: Sachin world's best batsman

The Sachin Tendulkar fan club keeps getting bigger, Brian Lara describing him as the "best batsman" in the world right now.

Former England captain Alec Stewart described Sachin as  "the modern day Don Bradman".

Participating in a panel discussion at Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 'East Meets West' Gala Dinner at the Hilton Park Lane here last night, Lara said, "Sachin started playing (Test cricket) at the age of 16. And at 38 now, we have not seen a better player. Sachin is the best batsman in the world."

"I am going to the Lord's to see Sachin make his 100th century," he said.

Stewart, who also participated in the discussion, described Tendulkar as "modern day Bradman".

India's veteran batsman Rahul Dravid added to the praise, saying, "In India we have many Gods and he is one of them."

Answering questions from cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, Lara said, "While Sachin is special, Dravid is the wall.

"Dravid is always going to be there - he is a tremendous player," he said.