Melbourne, April 11: Sachin Tendulkar, captain of the Mumbai Indian team of the Indian Premier League (IPL), preferred NSW batsman Dominic Thornely to Andrew Symonds or Ricky Ponting.

Thornely, who was stunned to know about this, was contacted by a Mumbai manager for negotiation and singing the agreement.

"I was staggered, but having played with Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, those guys at the very elite level are so professional and know everything that`s going on in domestic cricket around the world," Thornely was quoted as saying.

"This gives me a chance to play against the best players in the world, and that will probably give me more credibility if I get the chance to play for Australia, and also shows the Australian selectors what I`m capable of," said Thornely, 29.

"I have only ever dreamed about playing alongside cricketers with Tendulkar`s level of skill and ability. I feel absolutely privileged to be involved in the set-up, and whatever opportunities I get I`ll certainly be trying to make the most of," he added.

Thornely, who played alongside Harbhajan at Surrey in County Cricket, said he would have no problems with him, and would even seek him out for tips.

"I`m working on my off-spin bowling so I`ll pick his brains and get bits of advice, I get along with him really well," he said.