Tendulkar leads Indian fightback with unbeaten fifty

Adelaide: Sachin Tendulkar was doing the spadework as India were dealt two further blows in the second session by Australia on the opening day of the fourth and final cricket Test at Adelaide Oval here today.

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The visitors took tea at 187 for 4 as they lost Virender Sehwag (63) and Sourav Ganguly (7), missing out on a golden opportunity to put early pressure on hosts in the crucial match.

Sachin Tendulkar was intent on making his probably last Test in Australia count as the little master serenely crossed his half-century and was unbeaten on 55 from 134 minutes of vigil at the crease during which he faced 89 balls and hit five fours and a six.

Sehwag chose to cut a rising delivery from Brett Lee, too close to his body, and offered a straightforward catch to Matthew Hayden at first slip. However, the television replays suggested that it was a big no ball from the Australian speedster. Sehwag batted for two-and-a-half hours and hit six fours from 90 balls.

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Ganguly, probably still reeling at his shock omission from the one-day squad, made seven before he missed a sweep and was ruled out leg before wicket off Brad Hogg by umpire Asad Rauf.

There was no hint of such reverses at the start of the session when Tendulkar first thumped Lee down the ground and then smacked Mitchell Johnson for three fours in one over. Tendulkar also looked to attack left-arm spinner Brad Hogg and once picked him from outside the off-stump for a massive six over midwicket.

VVS Laxman looked good in his short stay during which he made 16 runs.