Sachin Tendulkar, Jeff Thomson Add Pace to Mumbai's Ranji Trophy Preparation

Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers in cricket during the golden age of fast bowling in the mid-70's. He terrorised batsmen with his slingshot action and in 51 Tests, snapped up 200 wickets at an average of 28. Sachin Tendulkar's, with 100 international centuries, was the highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs. A contest between these two legends would have been a sight to behold. (Sachin Tendulkar Says Smartphones Are Controlling Our Lives)

However, Tendulkar and Thommo finally came together during the Mumbai Ranji team's preparatory camp ahead of their first match against Andhra Pradesh from October 1. Tendulkar spent two hours with the team at the MIG complex in Mumbai and interacted with new coach Chandrakant Pandit and gave some inputs to the players. (Sachin Tendulkar, Shankar Mahadevan Lend Voice to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Anthem)

Mumbai, the 40-time Ranji champions, have endured a torrid time since last winning the title in the 2012/13 season. They were plagued by poor form and indiscipline in the previous season. They lost to Jammu and Kashmir for the first time ever in the Ranji Trophy in 2014 at the Wankhede.

Suryakumar Yadav, their skipper, was axed for poor attitude and coach Pravin Amre was also shown the door. With no Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane in the side, the pressure is on Mumbai to prove that they can get going in a new season.

However, Tendulkar is confident of the team's success this time.

"Mumbai has traditionally sent strong teams and that's why we have had so much success in the past, but it's a matter of enjoying your time out there in the middle because that's very important for the results to come through. If you don't enjoy your cricket you're not going to perform, but I believe this side will put up a good show," he told the Mumbai Mirror.