BANGALORE – Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar struck an unbeaten 191 and starred in a marathon 308-run stand with Murali Vijay to fuel India’s robust reply in the second Test against Australia yesterday.
A day after crossing 14 000 Test runs, Tendulkar lit up the third day’s play with his 49th Test century while Vijay (139) registered his maiden ton on a belter of a track to help India reach 435 for five wickets at close.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (11) was giving company to Tendulkar at stumps with India, who lead the two-match series 1-0, 43 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 478.
Tendulkar hit a sparkling 319-ball knock studded with 20 fours and two sixes to remain on course for his sixth double century.
Resuming on 128 for two, both Tendulkar and Vijay, who was reprimanded by match referee Chris Broad for wearing too many logos on his pad on Sunday, made the most of a highly productive morning session when boundaries flowed from their blades.
Tendulkar hit Nathan Hauritz for a six to reach 99 and repeated the treatment in the off-spinner’s next over to bring up his ton and trigger boisterous celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
While teammates, opponents and the crowd applauded his feat, Tendulkar took off his helmet, raised the bat, looked skywards and then closed eyes in a silent prayer.
Vijay took a more conservative way to reach his century mark, with a single off Peter George, but was more expressive in celebration, jumping and punching the air.
“It was really special. Playing with Sachin Tendulkar was a dream-come-true for me,” Vijay told Neo Cricket channel.
Mitchell Johnson finally broke the partnership, India’s highest third wicket stand against Australia, in the final session when he dismissed Vijay and debutant Cheteshwar Pujara (four) in the same over.
“With (India having) a big partnership of 300, it’s been a tough day for the bowlers,” Johnson said.
“As a fast bowler, you want a bit of bounce and carry but it (pitch) was a bit slow.” (Reuters)
