Tendulkar chases elusive 100th ton

Sachin Tendulkar led India's resistance with an unbeaten 70 in the second Test against Australia in Sydney as he chases his elusive 100th international century. The "Little Master" looked in good form as he unfurled his excellent strokemaking to deny the Australian bowlers further inroads after the capture of Gautam Gambhir's wicket early on day four. At lunch, India, chasing 469 to make Australia bat a second time, were 243 for three with V.V.S. Laxman also unbeaten on 44. Tendulkar has been stranded on 99 Test and one-day international centuries since scoring 111 against South Africa in the World Cup last March. His last Test century was 146 against South Africa in Cape Town a year ago. Tendulkar opened up early on the fourth day and reached his 65th Test half-century off 89 balls. Tendulkar and Laxman have featured in some huge partnerships for India, headed by a record 353-run stand for the fourth wicket at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2004 and including 214 against the West Indies in Kolkota in 2002. Laxman is seeking form after a poor start to the Test series with a total of just five runs in his first three innings. India added 129 runs for the session for the loss of just one wicket. Gambhir was dismissed for 83 in the 49th over when he was caught at point by David Warner off the second ball of Peter Siddle's first over of the day. India, who lost the first Test, are seeking a long occupation of the crease to keep the four-match series alive after conceding a massive 468-run first innings lead. Australian captain Michael Clarke declared his team's first innings at 659 for four with seven and a half sessions left to bowl out India.