Tendulkar smashed 106 unbeaten runs and, helped by Harbhajan Singh's counter-attacking 41, powered India to 424 for seven at tea on the third day of the second Test in Sydney.

Tendulkar drove Stuart Clark into the covers for a brace to complete his 38th century, his eight against Australia and third at this venue, as everyone stood as one in the stands to salute one of the game's legends.

He and Harbhajan retrieved India from a tight spot and have so far put on 79 for the eighth wicket.

Harbhajan arrived at the total 345 for seven with Tendulkar still in his 60s and immediately took the attack to the Australians.

He drove and cut, pulled and flicked as a great recovery was staged for the visitors.

Harbhajan had a lucky break when Gilchrist dropped an overhead chance off Clark but he hung around till the break, having batted for 93 minutes and hit four fours from 68 balls.

India is still 39 runs behind Australia's first innings total and must be eyeing a lead over the world champions.

Both Tendulkar and Harbhajan raised important milestones for themselves.

Tendulkar completed 2,000 runs against Australia while Harbhajan Singh is now past 1,000 runs in Test cricket.