Tendulkar leads the way as India fight back

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Breaking his jinx of getting out in the 90s, Sachin Tendulkar on Friday struck an unbeaten 154 to lead a strong counter-attack by India which gained a vital 69-run first innings lead over Australia in the second cricket Test.

The 34-year-old master batsman continued his special association with the majestic Sydney Cricket Ground as he not only notched up his 38th Test century, but also guided India to a commanding first innings total of 532.

It was a moment of huge relief for Tendulkar as he reached the milestone after being dismissed in the 90s six times in one-day internationals and once in a Test match in 2007 alone.

Matthew Hayden (5) and Phil Jacques (8) were at the crease with Australia reaching 13 for no loss at close on an eventful third day that was dominated by the visitors.

Resuming at the overnight total of 216 for three, the famed Indian batting line up finally lived up to its reputation as they plundered runs at will on a good batting track at the SGC.

If the stylish VVS Laxman had set the tempo with his breathtaking strokes on the second day, Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (67) maintained the flow with an exhibition of flawless strokeplay to temper Australia's push for a record equalling 16th consecutive Test triumph.

Although Yuvraj Singh (12) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2) failed with the bat, Harbhajan Singh (63) and Ishant Sharma (23) helped Tendulkar add some vital runs to take the Indian total beyond the 500-run mark.

It was an emotional moment for Tendulkar as held his bat and helmet aloft in each hand as he looked to the skies after completing his 38 ton, his third consecutive ton at the SCG, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Tendulkar drove Stuart Clark for a couple in the afternoon session to raise his three-figure knock and in all, batted for 404 minutes, faced 243 balls and hit 14 fours and a six.

He shared a couple of century stands with Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh, the one with the latter being a record stand for the eighth wicket for India against Australia.

They put on 129 for the eighth wicket which overtook the 127 Syed Kirmani and Karsan Ghavri had added in Mumbai during the 1979-80 series.