Sachin Tendulkar blunts Aussies

Sachin Tendulkar joined forces with Virat Kohli (50 not out) to guide India to a good position at stumps (Getty Images)

Sachin Tendulkar led a terrific India revival on day two of the first Test against Australia here yesterday.

The veteran batsman strode to the crease with his team at 12 for 2 in response to Australia's first-innings score of 380. He delivered when his team needed him most, scoring an unbeaten 71 as the tourists finished on 182 for 3.

The early wickets of Murali Vijay (10) and Virender Sehwag (2) heaped the pressure on Tendulkar, with the Australia fast bowler James Pattinson (three for 25 off six overs) doing the early damage.

Tendulkar – who turns 40 in April – headed to the crease without a Test century since January 2011. But he has hit two hundreds in four domestic matches and started in stunning fashion, hitting three of his first four deliveries for boundaries.

Tendulkar and Cheteshwar Pujara (44) formed a 93-run partnership before Pattinson struck again. Tendulkar joined forces with Virat Kohli (50 not out) to guide India to a good position at stumps.

Australia resumed on 316 for seven, with Michael Clarke 103 not out. Clarke played on serenely while Peter Siddle – who faced 94 balls for 19 runs – helped the tourists past 350.

Clarke fell to Ravindra Jadeja for 130, but Pattinson (15 not out) and Lyon (3) chipped in before R Ashwin took the final wicket to finish with 7 for 103.