Tendulkar slams century as India fightback bravely

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Colombo: Sachin Tendulkar cracked his 48th Test century to lead a spirited fightback as India recovered from three quick jolts to keep themselves afloat in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today.

Tendulkar (108 not out) showed great character and temparament to score his first century on Sri Lankan soil in 11 years as he anchored the innings brilliantly to steer the visitors to 382 for for four at close on the third day, still needing 61 runs to avoid the follow on.

Virender Sehwag missed his century by just one run while debutant Suresh Raina was the other notable performer with a sparkling unbeaten 66.

It was a much-improved display by the Indians who made sure that there was no repeat of Galle where the famed batting order had succumbed rather tamely.

Raina was giving Tendulkar company at stumps on a day which saw 287 runs being scored and four wickets falling at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.

Image: India's batsman Murali Vijay plays a shot during the third day of the second test cricket match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 28, 2010.