Tendulkar Reaches Double Century

more images

DAMBULLA, SRI LANKA (GaeaTimes.com)- Sachin Tendulkar scored his fifth double hundred as India looked set for a draw against Sri Lanka in the run fest at Dambulla. The maestro made sure that the inexperienced Sri Lankan bowling attack failed to make any early breakthroughs. He was given ample support from Suresh Raina who reached his century on his test debut.

The flatness of the wicket ensured that the batsmen enjoyed a hassle free run in Dambulla. Sri Lanka started off with a magnanimous score of 642 scoring at more than 4 runs per over. Centuries from Mahela Jayawardene and Paranavitana and a double ton from Kumar Sangakara ensured that the test would not be a losing one for the hosts. India started off well, with Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay providing a solid start that was consolidated later by Sachin Tendulkar and debutant Suresh Raina. Sachin Tendulkar proved that he is fit as a fiddle even at this age as he ran hard for his twos and converted ones into twos. His innings included a total of 23 fours and one six. After finishing day one at 108, Indians started celebrating the 48th century by the maestro. The flat pitch and the absence of the Muttiah Muralidharan and Lasith Malinga ensured that Sachin Tendulkar reaches his fifth double ton safely and India avoided all chances of a follow on.

The match had a lot of significance for Suresh Raina as he not only provided solid support to Sachin Tendulkar but also proved his critics wrong by posting a century in his debut. He has been a part of the Indian team for a long time now could not get a break into the test squad as selectors were weary of his inability to play the short ball.