Sachin Tendulkar cracked yet another Test century — making amends for his failure in the first innings — as India salvaged a draw against Sri Lanka in the first Test here on Friday.
The Test came to an end after play was called off during mandatory overs, but not before Tendulkar (100 not out) reached his 43rd Test century and completed 30,000 runs in international cricket. VVS Laxman remained unbeaten on 51 as India scored 412 for four in the second innings. Coming in to bat after the dismissal of night watchman Amit Mishra, Tendulkar was all that drew the crowd to the ground on Day Five.
Unlike in the first innings, he didn’t disappoint his fans as he started off with a backfoot punch off Angelo Mathews. The next over, he drove off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan through the covers, setting the tone for his innings. The Little Master went on to build an innings that was marked by his elegance and authoritative stroke-play.
Laxman too showcased his class as he hit his trademark flicks off Muralitharan and medium-pacer Mathews, as India closed in on Sri Lanka’s 334-run lead. The unbeaten fifth-wicket stand saw an addition of 137 runs.
Taking a cue from his Indian counterpart, Sri Lanka captain Kumara Sangakkara attempted to halt Tendulkar’s march towards his century, setting a three-six field when Muralitharan was bowling. India skipper MS Dhoni had set a similar field for Mishra and Harbhajan Singh. Tendulkar, undeterred, reached his century off 211 balls, with a quick single.
In the morning, Gautam Gambhir (114) prevented an early damage. The southpaw completed a well-deserved century — his third of the year — in style, gliding Mathews to the fine-leg fence for four. Gambhir, however, was responsible for his own downfall. In an attempt to hit left-arm spinner Rangana Herath over long-off, the opener ballooned a catch to Dhamika Prasad.
Starting the day at 190 for two, the home team needed 144 to overcome the total deficit. Gambhir and Mishra began play with determined minds, resulting in a silent start in the morning for Team India.
The duo commenced proceedings by taking no risks and negating the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
