David Leggat: The thousand cuts that make the steepest learning curve

Early in New Zealand's bid to hunt down India's 392 last night, parents with five youngsters in New Zealand colours were wandering home.

There were three possible explanations: they were leaving in the expectation New Zealand had no hope; the kids had an early start at school; or Dad had figured after watching Sachin Tendulkar's dazzling 163 the young fans wouldn't see anything better.

Since his debut in 1989, Tendulkar has been a wonder of the game.

The numbers bear retelling: 156 tests, 12,429 runs at 54.27 with 41 100s; 425 ODIs for 16,684 runs at 44.37 with 43 centuries. More runs, more hundreds than anyone in both forms.

Yesterday, as always, he showed sound technique, superb shot making and an eagle eye for the possibilities each ball offered.

While some batsmen will take an attack apart by ferocious strokeplay, Tendulkar is an artist. Bowlers are not mauled; it is more death by a thousand cuts, drives, sweeps and glides.

Before this tour began many wanted to see New Zealand do well against one of the world's best teams. But equally, they had a wish to see Tendulkar's magic.

They got it yesterday, before he retired with a stomach problem.

Until then, the problems were all New Zealand's. They bowled poorly, but the margin for error is small against Mumbai's most famous man.

He presents a steep learning curve for the inexperienced. Tim Southee doubtless woke up this morning with a greater appreciation of what is required to succeed in the highest company.

Yesterday was an education for the New Zealand bowlers, and a treat for those who didn't have to try and cut the lesson short.