The second Test of the India Australia series is poised on a tantalizing battle and the credit for that must go to Sachin Tendulkar as much as it should to the Australian captain.
sachin tendulkar murali vijay ricky ponting
Australia's first innings score of 478 loomed large when India were two down for thirty-eight. However, the partnership between opener Murali Vijay and Tendulkar changed the complexion of the match dramatically. The 308 run partnership not only flattened Australia's hopes but also, put India in a position where they can actually have a realistic chance at winning the second Test and eventually the series 2-0.
The magnificent partnership dominated day three, even as eyes were glued on Tendulkar on the verge of his forty-ninth Test century. But Vijay held his own, the Test century adding to his case when the opportunity presented itself. Although Australia snuck in a couple of wickets at the end of the day, the match was beginning to once more develop shape of an even feel.
All eyes were on Tendulkar at the start of the fourth day's play with his personal score poised on an unbeaten 191. Tendulkar fulfilled the promise of a sixth Test century after surpassing 14000 Test runs. But India failed to put the pressure as once Tendulkar was dismissed by debutant Peter George who picked up his first wicket of the Test, there was little else left in the Indian tank as India were bowled out for 495.
With such a slender lead, much depended on how Australia approached the possibility of a win with the risk of dropping too much. Australia did give India some excitement with Michael Clarke becoming the third wicket to fall with the scoreboard reading sixty-five. But Ricky Ponting stood tall and proud and defied India's attempts to undo the Australians who batted so well in the first innings.
Ponting's seventy-two was eventually curtailed but by then the Australian captain had provided a very critical role of holding off the Indians and then, putting Australia in a reasonably decent position. His innings gained greater perspective after Australia lost a few quick wickets towards the end of the fourth day's play, with Australia 202 for seven, leading by 185 runs.
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