"A number of innings that I have been able to sit back and watch of his (Tendulkar) over the years, I think he is an amazing player," Ponting said after completing 12,000 one-day runs at Centurion on Friday.

The Australian captain became the third batsman after Tendulkar (16,903) and Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya (13,377) to achieve the feat.

Ponting reached the landmark during his unbeaten 111 in his team's nine-wicket win over England in the semi-final.

"You look at his (Tendulkar's) records, and they are quite incredible. And to think that someone can stay in the game for 20 years is pretty remarkable as well," said the Australian captain.

"I have always thought of him as the guy that sets the benchmark as far as batting is concerned and guys like me and the rest just chase and get as close as we can to him.

"So, congratulations to him for 20 years in the game. If I stay in the game for 20 years, I will probably be batting in a wheelchair by then."

Tendulkar will complete 20 years in international cricket next month, having made his Test debut against Pakistan in November 1989.

The Indian holds two world batting records, most runs in Tests (12,773) and one-day internationals. He also has the highest number of centuries to his credit -- 42 in Tests and 44 in one-dayers.

Ponting, who made his international debut in 1995, has so far scored 11,345 runs in Tests with 38 centuries and 12,043 runs in one-day internationals with 28 hundreds.