5 best second innings Test centuries

Sachin Tendulkar (103* vs England)

India worshipped Sachin Tendulkar. He symbolized hope, he was the epitome of dreams materialising into reality. Hence, it was only opportune that India's biggest icon stood up when the nation was drained out of hope.

Mumbai was attacked in November 2008, India had been pushed into remorse, but cricket came rearing back to offer strands of hope. In a December 2008 Test against England, India needed 387 on a rugged Chennai surface.

Virender Sehwag perhaps did not know the target as he smashed 83 in 68 balls and suddenly the hosts believed that they could win the match.

While his hometown was still burning, Tendulkar walked out. He took guard, negotiated the initial phase, and then broke free.

Graeme Swann was getting the ball to turn, Andrew Flintoff was making the ball reverse, but the Master Blaster was on a mission.

317 minutes and 196 balls later Tendulkar got to his century and won the match for the country, for Mumbai and for the game of cricket.