Bangalore Test: India close 435/5

Bangalore : After hitting his 49th Test ton, Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was looking for double century with unbeaten
191 to steer India solidly with 435/5 at stump on third day against Australia’s first innings of 478 in the final of the two-Test series at Chinaswami Stadium here on Monday.

Tendulkar blasted his 49th Test hundred and found valuable support from opener Murali Vijay (139) as the hosts reached to a comfortable score of 435, only 43 run deficit with five wickets in hand.

The big score in the first knock here was obviously helping India, who already one up with Mohali Test, as the game heading for draw with only two days left.

Thirty-seven-year-old Mumbai star showed his class with willow with a marathon unbeaten 191 on his 171 Test.

The batting maestro, who has been in stunning form in the last three months, played a virtual sheet anchor role to guide India not only to a safe position but from where they can push for a 2-0 series win.

Tendulkar and Vijay, who scored his maiden Test century, were involved in a record 308-run partnership for the third wicket which laid the foundation of India’s spirited reply.

Skipper M S Dhoni was also unbeaten on 11 when stumps for the day was closed.

Australia I innings: 478

Inidia I Innings (overnight 128 for 2):
Murali Vijay c Paine b Johnson 139
Virender Sehwag c Johnson b Hilfenhaus 30
Rahul Dravid c North b Johnson 01
Sachin Tendulkar batting 191
Chateshwar Pujara lbw Johnson 04
Suresh Raina c Hilfenhaus b Johnson 32
M S Dhoni batting 11

Extras (b-6, lb-15, w-6) 27

Total: (for five wickets in 122 overs) 435

Fall of wickets:
1-37, 2-38, 3-346, 4-350, 5-411

Bowling:
Ben Hilfenhaus 25-5-61-1
Mitchell Johnson 23-2-89-3 (2 wide conceding 6 runs)
Peter George 15-1-38-0
Nathan Hauritz 39-4-153-0
Michael Clarke 8-0-27-1
Shane Watson 7-0-28-0
Simon Katich 5-0-18-0