By IANS
Adelaide : A brisk century by Virender Sehwag helped India to stretch their lead in the second innings to 173 runs by tea against Australia on the fifth day of the final Test in the four-match series here Monday.
When the umpires called for the tea interval, India were at 210 for four, with Sehwag batting on 132 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni on five at the Adelaide Oval. India had scored 526 in their first innings and Australia replied with 563 – a lead of 37.
India, resuming at their overnight score of 45 for one, scored at a brisk rate and added 97 runs in the morning session. Sehwag completed his 13th century before lunch and also helped India take a 105-run lead after the first session’s play.
Rahul Dravid (11) had to retire hurt after being hit on the fingers by fast bowler Brett Lee’s short-pitched delivery. Dravid went on the back foot and defended but missed the line, leaving him in a lot of pain. Dravid continued for a while but when the pain increased he returned to the dressing room and that paved the way for Sachin Tendulkar (13), who came out to loud applause.
But Tendulkar failed to get a big innings as he was run out by Mitchell Johnson. Tendulkar tapped one to the leg side and set off and realising the mistake tried to turn back but Johnson’s throw was accurate and the batting maestro was short of his ground.
None of this appeared to faze Sehwag in the slightest. He cover-drove Lee and then cut him uppishly past gully to reach his half-century from 78 balls. There was also a lovely drive behind point, and a glance for four as the lead started to grow.
Brad Hogg’s introduction only accelerated the progress. After taking him over long-on for a massive six, Sehwag played two superb cover-drives, before a single to mid-on off Johnson got him to three figures.
In the course of his knock, Sehwag hit Brad Hogg for a six and a four in three balls to enter the 70s. The left-arm spinner conceded 12 runs in that over.
Sehwag’s century (123 balls, 9x4s, 2x6s) was his first in the second innings of a Test.
Sourav Ganguly (18) and Sehwag saw the Indians through to lunch without further damage. But Ganguly also failed to contribute much and was caught by Mike Hussey off Johnson. V.V.S. Laxman lasted 30 balls for his 12 runs and edged to Adam Gilchrist off Lee.