Tendulkar stranded on 111 as India suffer crushing defeat

CENTURION - Sachin Tendulkar’s record 50th Test century could not save India from suffering a crushing defeat by an innings and 25 runs against South Africa on the fifth day of the first cricket Test here Monday.

Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 111 as India’s second innings was wrapped up for 459 in the six overs at the Super Sport Park. India were bowled out for 136 runs in the first innings and South Africa, riding on Jacques Kallis’ (201) maiden double century and AB de Villiers smashing 129, declared their first innings at 620 for four.

India could add just four runs to their overnight 454 for eight, after fast bowlers Morne Morkel and pace spearhead Dale Steyn picked up a wicket apiece to remove Sreesanth (3) and debutant Jaydev Unadkat (1). Steyn ended with figures of four for 105 in the second innings to finish with a match haul of seven for 139. Morkel also ended with a match haul of seven for 114 runs.

After an early close of the play Sunday due to a thunderstorm, Indians hoped for some divine intervention Monday to help them save the match.

But after an hour-long drive from their team hotel in Johannesburg, they were greeted with clear skies.

In the third over of the day, Steyn put Sreesanth in some discomfort with a short pitched delivery. Sreesanth tried to sway away, but it hit him on his shoulder. Sreesanth showed some good technique with the next ball to duck in time after Steyn pitched it short on the middle stump.

Four balls later, Morkel picked up Sreesanth, who edged an away going delivery to De Villiers at second slip.

Unadkat lasted 11 deliveries, but Steyn was too hot for him to handle. Steyn pitched another one on the body and Unadkat in his attempt to fend the ball towards off gave an easy catch to Ashwell Prince at gully.