There is a real sadness in watching genius fade, in watching the clock slowly stop. The sun is setting on two cricketers: Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.

These two men, one spiky and confrontational, one trapped in a serene mask of national adoration, have been the backbone of international cricket for a generation. Both are brilliant stylists, both have led their countries, both have had to carry the pressure of being the greatest batsman in their side and, at times, the greatest batsman in the world.

End of an era ... Ricky Ponting. Credit:Getty Images

Both seemed for so long oblivious to the marching years - so energetic, so athletic - but now time is getting stuck in. Maybe the eyes are fading just fractionally, maybe the reflexes are going incrementally, or the knees, or perhaps the mind or the body is just weary of years of almost non-stop cricket.

Tendulkar has been a star since his Test debut at the age of 16, and became the first overseas player to represent Yorkshire, at the age of 19, posing awkwardly at Headingley wearing a cloth cap and holding a pint of bitter. No one would dare ask him to do that now. Last year, he eventually won the World Cup with India, and in between he has broken almost every batting record.