Tendulkar's 100th Century Effort Ends in Sorrow as Australia Wins Control

In a game that saw India fight valiantly, Sachin Tendulkar's hopes of scoring his 100th international century were dashed just three balls short of stumps as India trailed by 119 runs. The batting maestro, along with Rahul Dravid, hit crucial half-centuries to take India to a comfortable 214 for three in their first innings, with Dravid unbeaten on 68 alongside nightwatchman Ishant Sharma at stumps. The Australians, led by Peter Siddle, maintained their control over the game, with Siddle taking crucial wickets, including Tendulkar's, on 73.

Key Takeaways:

• Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century was within reach but was thwarted by an excellent delivery from Peter Siddle, who bowled him on 73.
• Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid shared a crucial 117-run stand for the third wicket, with Tendulkar getting to his half-century in 55 balls and Dravid in style with a four off Ben Hilfenhaus.
• The Australian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan took four wickets for 77 in the first session to bowl out Australia for 333 in the first innings, with India trailing by 119 runs.
• Zaheer Khan struck in the second over of the day to remove Brad Haddin (27), while Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin bagged three wickets each.
• James Pattinson was left stranded on 18 not out as Australia's tailenders fought bravely to reach a par total at the MCG.

Statistics:

• Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century was a distant memory, with 73 runs not enough to achieve his milestone.
• Peter Siddle took 3 wickets, including Tendulkar's, as Australia maintained their control over the game.
• Zaheer Khan finished with figures of 4 for 77, while Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each in the first session.
• Australia's tailenders added 56 runs in 21 overs, with James Pattinson contributing 18 not out.

Sources:

• IANS India Pvt. Ltd.
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