Tendulkar leads the way as India fight back

The 34-year-old master batsman continued his special association with the majestic Sydney Cricket Ground as he not only notched up his 38th Test century, but also guided India to a commanding first innings total of 532.

It was a moment of huge relief for Tendulkar as he reached the milestone after being dismissed in the 90s six times in one-day internationals and once in a Test match in 2007 alone.

Matthew Hayden (5) and Phil Jacques (8) were at the crease with Australia reaching 13 for no loss at close on an eventful third day that was dominated by the visitors.

Resuming at the overnight total of 216 for three, the famed Indian batting line up finally lived up to its reputation as they plundered runs at will on a good batting track at the SGC.

If the stylish VVS Laxman had set the tempo with his breathtaking strokes on the second day, Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (67) maintained the flow with an exhibition of flawless strokeplay to temper Australia's push for a record equalling 16th consecutive Test triumph.

Although Yuvraj Singh (12) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2) failed with the bat, Harbhajan Singh (63) and Ishant Sharma (23) helped Tendulkar add some vital runs to take the Indian total beyond the 500-run mark.

It was an emotional moment for Tendulkar as held his bat and helmet aloft in each hand as he looked to the skies after completing his 38 ton, his third consecutive ton at the SCG, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Tendulkar drove Stuart Clark for a couple in the afternoon session to raise his three-figure knock and in all, batted for 404 minutes, faced 243 balls and hit 14 fours and a six.

He shared a couple of century stands with Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh, the one with the latter being a record stand for the eighth wicket for India against Australia.

They put on 129 for the eighth wicket which overtook the 127 Syed Kirmani and Karsan Ghavri had added in Mumbai during the 1979-80 series.

No less important was a 110-run fourth wicket stand which Tendulkar managed with Ganguly or the contributions he could eke out with RP Singh (13) and Ishant Sharma (27) for the final two wickets.

As many as 187 runs were raised for the final three wickets by the visitors to leave the home attack completely flattened.

Turning out for probably the last time at an SCG Test, Tendulkar produced a virtuoso performance and ensured the good work of the second-day centurion VVS Laxman did not go to the waste bin.

The day began at 216 for three for the visitors and overnight batsmen Ganguly and Tendulkar lost little time in taking charge of the bowling.

Ganguly thumped Lee for two silken fours through the off-side and when spinners came on to attack, he went to top gear effortlessly.

He smashed left-arm spinner Brad Hogg over mid-on, treated Michael Clarke in similar manner and was generally harsh on the spinners.

Both batsmen had things completely under control when Ganguly, in trying to force the issue, fell to Hogg by hoisting a catch to mid-off.

India then wobbled with Yuvraj Singh (12) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2) leaving the stage swiftly and when skipper Anil Kumble (2) also fell, Lee had grabbed his fourth wicket of the innings.

Yuvraj was softened up by two snorters while Dhoni's troubles with rising deliveries show no signs of abating.

At 345 for seven, India were in danger of conceding a 100-plus lead to Australia when Harbhajan, in the company of Tendulkar, wrought a turnaround with some thumping strokeplay.

The off-spinner drove and cut powerfully and his bluster, with the aid of a dropped catch from Adam Gilchrist off Stuart Clark, drove Australia to desperation.

Harbhajan finally fell to Mitchell Johnson when he pushed at a leg-cutter and spooned a catch to the gully region. The ebullient Sikh made 63 from 92 balls with eight fours.

But the bonus for India did not end with Harbhajan as the final two batsmen, RP Singh (13) and Ishant Sharma (27) also raised important runs with Tendulkar.