Tendulkar shines in Chennai

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Sachin Tendulkar’s timely return to form put India in a good position after day two of the second Test against India.

Tendulkar has been struggling of late having not struck a five-day century since January 2011.

Yet he delivered the goods today, helping India recover from 12 for two in response to Australia’s 380.

Sachin Tendulkar struck an impressive 71 not out as India moved into a solid position in the first Test of four against Australia

The hosts eventually ended on 182 for three, 198 runs in arrears, with Tendulkar unbeaten on 71 and Virat Kohli 50.

Earlier, Michael Clarke took his 103 to 130 as Australia fell just short of 400; Ravichandran Ashwin finished with figures of 7-103.

The day belonged, though, to Tendulkar – who put aside the extreme scrutiny he has been facing recently.

Indeed, some were calling for the 39-year-old to retire following his struggles in India’s series loss to England at the end of last year.

However, operating behind a defence that appears more compact, Tendulkar was at his brilliant best, playing solidly amid some typically eye-catching strokes.

Comments regarding his place in the side seemed a distant memory as he showed outstanding poise in manipulating the field expertly.

After James Pattinson had put the tourists in command by bowling Murali Vijay and Virender Sehwag – the former with a fierce yorker and latter via an inside edge – Tendulkar responded with a positive approach.

He struck three of his first four deliveries for boundaries, cover-driving, punching and leg-glancing Pattinson.

The Little Master played solidly thereafter alongside Cheteshwar Pujara, whose defence and style through leg illustrated why comparisons have been made with Rahul Dravid.

However, he did not emulate ‘The Wall’ when making the rare mistake that heralded his downfall, playing back to a Pattinson delivery that kept a little low to be castled for 44.

Kohli was on hand to further India’s revival, showing predictable class in clipping anything full and driving inside-out exceptionally against spin.

He accompanied Tendulkar through to stumps, moving past 50 in the day’s final over to set things up perfectly for the remainder of the Test.