Tendulkar elated by "fantastic journey"

By N.Ananthanarayanan

MOHALI, India (Reuters) - Sachin Tendulkar described his career as a "fantastic journey" after eclipsing retired West Indian Brian Lara's world record for most test runs on Friday.

"It has taken me 19 years to get the record," the 35-year-old Tendulkar said after achieving the feat on the first day of the second test against Australia.

"It can't happen overnight," Tendulkar, who made his debut as a 16-year-old and holds the records for runs and hundreds in both tests and one-dayers, told reporters.

"It has been a fantastic journey. There have been ups and downs in the process of success."

Tendulkar, who is among the team's senior players facing questions about retirement, added jokingly: "If stones are thrown at you, you convert them into milestones."

The batsman had needed 15 runs to surpass Lara's record of 11,953 runs, a feat he achieved after tea.

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