God, no more

After Tendulkar enthralled a full house on Friday morning 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 India will finish the match in three days, like they did in Kolkata, are more than it going beyond.

The fans Friday 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. 

In the final session, India were nine down for 415 runs, when Rohit farmed the bowling along with Shami and the two added 80 runs for the last wicket. Shami batted sensibly, holding his end up with some stout defence.

BRIEF SCORES: West Indies 182 and 43 for 3 trail India 495 (Pujara 113, Rohit 111*, Tendulkar 74, Shillingford 5-179) by 270 runs.