A deafening roar greeted Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday at his home ground as India’s favourite son walked out to bat in his farewell Test to a guard of honour from his opponents.

Tendulkar’s 200th Test match, against West Indies, at the Wankhede Stadium will also be his last, as the ‘Little Master’ brings the curtain down on a glittering 24-year career at the age of 40.

With his heavy bat – sporting a grip in the colours of the national flag – tucked under his arm, Tendulkar trotted out to bat at the fall of opener Murali Vijay.

He showed little sign of rust, though, on Thursday as six vintage Tendulkar boundaries flowed from his bat, both off the front foot and the back.

His signature cover drives left fielders stranded while his last four of the day, a classic straight drive off West Indies captain Darren Sammy, sent the crowd into a frenzy.

He remained unbeaten on 38, ensuring he will shoulder the weight of expectation again.