Tendulkar slams century as India fightback bravely

Wed, Jul 28 10 06:22 PM

T V Sriram Colombo, Jul 28 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar cracked his 48th Test century to lead a spirited fightback as India recovered from three quick jolts to keep themselves afloat in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today. Tendulkar (108 not out) showed great character and temparament to score his first century on Sri Lankan soil in 11 years as he anchored the innings brilliantly to steer the visitors to 382 for for four at close on the third day, still needing 61 runs to avoid the follow on. Virender Sehwag missed his century by just one run while debutant Suresh Raina was the other notable performer with a sparkling unbeaten 66. It was a much-improved display by the Indians who made sure that there was no repeat of Galle where the famed batting order had succumbed rather tamely. Raina was giving Tendulkar company at stumps on a day which saw 287 runs being scored and four wickets falling at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. India''s first objective will be to avoid the follow and then come as close as possible to Sri Lanka''s mammoth first innings total of 642 for four declared. If India carry on in the same way tomorrow, a draw appears to be the only result possible as the track has shown no signs of breaking up. After Sehwag provided the early fireworks, it was champion batsman Tendulkar who stole the spotlight with a fine exhibition of strokeplay and application to save the blushes for India who were in a spot of bother at one stage. Tendulkar made the most of a dropped chance when he was on 29, wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene spilling a simple catch off Dilhara Fernando. But that was the only blemish from the star batsman as he gradually opened up to unleash a flurry of strokes. The champion batsmen had last scored a century in Sri Lanka in 1999 at the same venue. Resuming at the overnight score of 95 for no loss in response to Sri Lanka''s mammoth 642 for four declared, the Indians got off to a solid start with Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay putting on a 165-run opening partnership. But the scrip changed dramatically just half an hour before the lunch break with the visitors losing Sehwag (99) Vijay (58) and Rahul Dravid (3) in quick succession with debutant off-spinner Suraj Randiv striking twice. Sehwag, who resumed at overnight 64, looked set for a big innings but missed out on his 21st Test century by attempting a reckless shot. More PTI TVS MRM

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