Australian Get Tips From Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s humility has bowled over Australian batsman Philip Hughes, who says it was a fantastic experience to get tips from the Indian icon over a cup of coffee.

"When I was in Mumbai earlier, I had coffee with him and we spoke for about an hour. He asked me so many questions and I also put him many queries. He is a fantastic man and very humble," Hughes said.

"He told me that I should try to play my natural game. We also talked a lot about other things in general. I also asked him a lot of questions about his career," the 21-year-old left-hander from New South Wales said during an interaction.

Set to fill in the shoes of prolific opener Matthew Hayden, Hughes said he is focussed on cementing his place in the side.

"It’s great to be in the squad. Sachin, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, they are all great batsmen. I may not be part of the main team now, but you never know when that opportunity comes," said Hughes, who made his Test debut against South Africa last year.

For Hughes, batting coach Justin Langer is his idol while he feels skipper Ricky Ponting is a "fantastic guy and a great leader".

The young Aussie is also excited about Indian food and likes Kashmiri and Punjabi food in particular.

"I love Rogan Josh, butter chicken and Naan," he said. Australia play their first Test of the two-match series against India at Mohali on Friday.