1st Test: Tendulkar heroics keep India in contention
Batting legend helps hosts to close play at 182-3 against Australia.
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.