Murali Vijay and Sachin Tendulkar
The Indian score was a mere 39 for the loss of two wickets at the start of the third day’s play. The Aussies would have been expecting an early breakthrough with the greenhorn Vijay at the crease. But, they were baffled. The little master along with the Chennai superstar Vijay parted in a mammoth 308 run stand for the third wicket. Though Aussies scraped few wickets in the end but the maestro Sachin remained unbeaten at an individual score of a monumental 191.
Tendulkar mesmerized the spectators here in Banglore with his alluring strokes. The hallmark of his innings was the kind of ease and grace with which he batted. He showed the passion and exuberance of a 20 year old kid! Vijay capitalized the opportunity of playing with the genius Tendulkar as he grasped his maiden century. There were hard moments for him though. Vijay got stuck at 99 for 20 minutes. He was challenged with some short balls. But, finally he was able to guide a ball through covers for a single to touch the milestone. He expressed his ecstasy and was also embraced by Sachin.
At the end of day the 25 year old CLT20’s golden bat awarded Vijay said” It was a dream come true for me to play with Sachin. I was just focused on each ball and not try to think too far ahead. In that regard Sachin paaji helped me a lot. He gave me pep-talks through the day.” Sachin displayed the responsibility of a senior player and also the endurance only through which he has sustained a 20 year old test career.
Only the consistent Aussie bowler Hilfenhaus was treated with respect by the two champion players in their colossal partnership. Watson was chipped over cover many times. And, Johnson too was pulled with immaculate affluence by Sachin on two occasions for consecutive boundaries. Hauritz was punished severely as Sachin played him effortlessly guiding him in the gaps. He was sent across the boundaries on twice by Tendulkar. And, Vijay too echoed Laxman’s clips and drives through the gaps.
Albeit, Vijay’s knock was less forceful but it was instrumental in the Indian innings. Finally at 3:21 pm Aussie’s got their first breakthrough when Vijay at the individual score of 139 edged a delivery behind. Then debutant Pujara came after sitting padded for more than 6 hours. But, he was unlucky to get trapped in front of the wicket by a skidder from Johnson at a mere score of four. Raina when on 32 while trying to drive Clarke to mid-off got caught by Hilfenhaus. The Indian Captain then arrived and he remained unbeaten on 11 at the end of the day.
On the fourth day, Sachin will be in the limelight and every cricket fan would love to see him make his sixth double century. India too would look to draw this test and retain the Boder-Gavaskar series!!!
Tags: Australia, Banglore, Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket, India, Murali Vijay, Sachin Tendulkar, Sports, Test Cricket
