Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test is fast turning out to be a no-contest. India need seven wickets to wrap up the series and the West Indies have to score 270 runs more to avoid an innings defeat at the Wankhede Stadium here.
After Tendulkar enthralled a full house early yesterday with a typically stroke-filled 74 in probably what could be his last Test innings, the two Gen-next stalwarts Cheteshwar Pujara (113) and Rohit Sharma (111 not out) told the maestro that Indian cricket is in safe hands by decimating the West Indies attack as India piled up a 313-run lead, totalling 495 in the first innings.
At the close of play, the West Indies, who were skittled out for 182 runs in the first innings, were 43 for three in their second knock.
Chris Gayle was still out there on six and he alone can take the fight into the Indian camp.
But the chances that India will finish the match in three days, like they did in Kolkata, are more than it going beyond.
The fans yesterday saw batsmen of contrasting styles.
If Tendulkar produced vintage stuff, Pujara was solid and Rohit was all craft and aggression.
There was a slump, too, when India lost four wickets for 94 runs in the post-lunch session, but the two century-makers made sure they stayed in command.
The highlight of the day, however, was Tendulkar’s innings. Fans settled in their seats very early in the morning, anticipating a big knock from the master blaster.
Resuming at 38, he enthralled the packed stadium with 36 more runs in fluent fashion.
He had a side show with pacer Tino Best, who troubled the master with some fiery bowling in the morning session. Tendulkar patted Best in appreciation.
It didn’t take long for him to get to his 68th fifty, punching Best with a classy shot.
Wild celebrations broke out in the stadium, Tendulkar looked up at the sky and raised his bat in acknowledgement.
Tendulkar was in supreme touch and looked determined to get his 52nd Test century, second at this venue handpicked by him for his farewell.
His first and only Test century at the Wankhede was way back in 1997, a fine 148 against the Sri Lankans in the first innings.
Tendulkar kept the crowd on their toes with his delightful trademark driving on either side of the wicket.
One could easily remember the 12 fours he hit in his 118-ball knock.
Both Tendulkar and Pujara looked at ease in the pre-lunch session.
It was the introduction of Narsingh Deonarine after drinks that did the trick for the West Indies and ended the 144-run stand for the third wicket. The part-time off-spinner dismissed Tendulkar with his fifth ball for what would remain the most cherished wicket of his career.
Tendulkar was done in by the extra bounce, but he was out to a splendid reflex-catch by first-slip Darren Sammy, who had a great day in the field snapping up five catches in the innings. The crowd was stunned to silence, but soon rose to give a standing ovation to their home hero.
Virat Kohli, who scored a brisk 57 off 78 balls hitting five fours, was involved in a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket with Pujara.
While Pujara held one end up, Kohli took the attack to the West Indies with some exquisite stroke play. IANS
