2nd Test: India reach 435/5 on day three

Agencies

Bangalore, 11 October 2010: Sachin Tendulkar gave ample display of his class with a marathon unbeaten 191 as India restored the balance in the second and final cricket Test against Australia with a solid batting show on Monday. Tendulkar notched up his 49th Test century and found able support from opener Murali Vijay (139) as the hosts reached a comfortable 435 for five at stumps on day three in reply to Australia’s 478.

 

The 37-year-old batting maestro, who has been in stunning form in the last three months, played a virtual sheet anchor role to guide India not only to a safe position but from where they can push for a 2-0 series win. Tendulkar and Vijay, who scored his maiden Test century, were involved in a record 308-run partnership for the third wicket which laid the foundation of India’s spirited reply.

 

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (11) was giving Tendulkar company at stumps on an eventful third day. Milestone man Tendukar, who on Sunday became the first batsman to score 14,000 Test runs, today wrote another record to his name by making a 150-plus score for the record 20th time, surpassing Brian Lara’s 19.

 

 

With two full days left, India will now try to gain a substantial first innings lead and try to put pressure on the Australians on the M Chinnaswamy track which is expected to provide some help to the slow bowlers. Tendulkar and Vijay surpassed the 222-run mark, set by Allan Border and Kim Hughes in Chennai in 1979, as Australia went wicket-less in the first two sessions of the day.

 

Tendulkar, who is now approaching his sixth double ton, has so far struck 20 fours and two sixes in his 319-ball knock. The Mumbaikar completed his 49th Test century in the morning session by smacking spinner Nathan Haurtiz for two consecutive sixes while Vijay got his maiden hundred with a single off paceman Peter George in the middle session.

 

Vijay, who replaced an injured Gautam Gambhir in the side, seized the opportunity as he contributed in India’s fightback. His 139 runs came off 310 balls with 14 fours and two sixes. India lost three wickets in the last session with paceman Mitchell Johnson (3/89) striking twice. Johnson broke the third wicket stand by getting Vijay caught behind and then trapped debutant Cheteshwar Pujara three balls later.