Sachin Tendulkar completes 14,000 runs, India 128/2

Sachin Tendulkar touched another milestone crossing 14,000 runs in Test as India began shakily (128/2) to chase Australia’s 478 in the first knock of the second and final two-Test series on the second day at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.

Master batsman Tendulkar remained not out with 44 contributing a 90 run partnership with Murali Vijay, who also stayed on 42, when play was stopped after 34.2 overs due to bad light. India were 128 for two with 350 runs deficit.

Tendulkar’s 44 came from 88 balls with six fours and opener Murali Vijay hit four hits to the fence and a over boundary in 83 deliveries to make valuable 42 runs.

The play stopped after 34.2 overs.

Tendulkar’s new milestone of 14000 runs in 171 Tests was savoured by a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium crowd, who stood up and waved at the master-blaster.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting is next to Tendulkar but the Aussie is still behind by 1822 runs. Ponting was one of the first among the opposition players to come up and congratulate Tendulkar for his achievement.

Earlier, Marcus North sealed his fifth Test century as the Australians must win to avoid a series defeat. North’s career-best 128 ensured a total of 478, although on stumps Tendulkar and M Vijay were also enjoying the batting conditions.

Australia began with 428 and India closed day two at 110 for 2; this time the hosts went to stumps at 128 for 2.

Virender Sehwag was out on 30 from from 28 deliveries when he pulled a slow bouncer from Ben Hilfenhaus straight to Johnson on the square-leg boundary and Rahul Dravid was out on 1.