1st Test: Tendulkar heroics keep India in contention

Batting legend helps hosts to close play at 182-3 against Australia.


News Desk February 23, 2013
Sachin Tendulkar struck his 67th Test half-century to help India recover to 182 for three against Australia. PHOTO: AFP/FILE



Veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar struck his 67th Test half-century to help India recover to 182 for three against Australia on the second day of the first Test in Chennai.


The hosts had lost two early wickets for just 12 runs before Test cricket’s highest run-scorer stepped up to the wicket and remained unbeaten on 71 at the close of play. He shared a 77-run stand with Virat Kohli, who also remained not out with 50.

Earlier, Australia resumed the day on 316 for seven and were all out at 380 as captain Michael Clarke added 27 to his overnight score of 103.

According to The Times of India, Australia pacer James Pattinson said he tried to attack Tendulkar with a barrage of bouncers but with the batting legend picking his balls early, he had to change his strategy.

“My early plan for Sachin was to try and bounce a little more,” said Pattinson. “I changed that plan at the last minute. It was a mistake there. I think I should have gone with the first plan. Sachin is a fantastic player and it looked like he had a lot of time out there compared to other batters.

“It’s quite a daunting task bowling to him and looking at him as he was at his class today and batted fantastically.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2013.

COMMENTS (2)

BlackJack | 11 years ago | Reply

Very few people have managed to single-handedly bring this much joy to a nation. A truly blessed existence.

Feroz | 11 years ago | Reply

Tendulkar brings a commitment to the game of cricket at age forty which most fellow players are unable to show at ages of twenty or twenty five. It is that single minded dedication that makes him stand out against contemporaries who have simply come and gone. No Politics, no Women, no Alcohol, no Drugs ---- only CRICKET. The man may be small but the inspiration he has been for all sportsmen is Big.

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