'Something about him': Sachin Tendulkar's huge praise for Aussie youngster

As far as praise from cricket superstars go, it’s hard to do much better than Sachin Tendulkar.

The ‘Little Master’ is one of international cricket’s all time greats - so when he doles out praise for somebody’s batting, you know it counts for something.

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Tendulkar touched down in Sydney on Friday ahead of Cricket Australia’s Bushfire Cricket Bash, where he’ll be coaching the Ricky Ponting XI.

India's greatest-ever cricketer, who scored 51 tons and some 15,921 runs in a decorated Test career, was stunned by Labuschagne's performance on Ashes debut as a concussion substitute at Lord's and his since charted the right-hander's rapid rise with interest.

"His footwork was incredible, so he would be the one I would say," Tendulkar replied at the SCG on Friday, when asked whether any modern-day player reminds him of himself.

"I saw Marnus getting hit (on the helmet by) the second ball he faced from Jofra Archer and post that, the 15 minutes he batted I said 'this player looks special, there is something about him'.

"His footwork was precise and footwork is not physical, it's mental. If you're not thinking positively in your mind then your feet don't move.

"So that clearly indicated to me that this guy is mentally strong."

Tendulkar chuckles over Smith v Kohli choice

Tendulkar made the point he is not a big fan of comparisons but answered honestly when asked whether he would pick Kohli or Smith first in an XI.

"Let an Indian pick an Indian guy," Tendulkar smiled.

"I'll leave Smith to be in the other side. Virat has been my friend.

"They're entertaining the entire cricketing world and it's a joy to watch both."

Tendulkar described Smith as a "special player".

"He's proven that on a consistent basis," he said.

"His mindset - he's so organised. The technique is not something you see commonly, it's different, but he knows how to adjust."

Tendulkar believed the addition of a Test championship, in which India and Australia are currently on track to meet in a Lord's final next year, was a "fantastic initiative" but harboured some concerns about day-night Tests.

"I'm not too sure how the dew factor is going to play its part (in India), it could be a spoilsport," he said.

WITH AAP