SK Flashback: Sachin Tendulkar's 155* against Australia in Chennai

The post-lunch Tendulkar

The Little Master was unstoppable on the day

With the lead already over 100 and eight wickets in hand, India had gained an upper hand prior to lunch courtesy a well-crafted 64-ball 50 from the Master Blaster. The Tendulkar-Dravid duo had done well to combat the Aussie bowlers on a crumbling pitch.

Post lunch, Warne opted for his ‘around-the-wicket, target the rough’ tactics that were meant to put Tendulkar in deep trouble. However, the Little Master had done his homework and was ready for anything Warne had to offer. Taking guard almost outside the leg stump, Tendulkar slapped a ball through the mid-wicket-mid-on gap that travelled to the boundary in a matter of seconds.

Tendulkar had already gained a mental edge over Warne. A couple of balls later, he padded away a harmless delivery that pitched way outside the leg-stump and followed that with a huge six over mid-wicket to get the crowd in a dizzy. The Aussies spinner was feeling the heat and was visibly perplexed by the way Tendulkar was treating him.

The post-lunch strategy that Tendulkar had in mind seemed puzzling to the Australians. Nothing could stop runs from his free-flowing blade. Blewett was treated with equal disdain, one of his deliveries nonchalantly lofted over the long-on region for a maximum.

Soon enough, Warne was again summoned to have a go at Tendulkar. Credit must be given to Warne as he was producing an inhuman amount of spin, however, he was erring on length quite often and was being cut away with disdain by the Little Master, who was not going to miss out on such opportunities.

Robertson was recalled into the attack, only to become a victim of the sheer elegance of the Mumbaikar. The off-spinner gave the ball a lot of air and sensing the opportunity, Tendulkar danced down the track, connected perfectly and sent the ball soaring into the stands. It was a marvellous batting display, a counter-attacking innings that was causing serious problems for the visitors.