Sachin Tendulkar blasted yet another ton, the 49th in his test career.  Sachin Tendulkars unbeaten 191 at the end of third days play at Bangalore was his 11th against the once all conquering Aussies and while the entire cricketing world is debating on yet another double century or possibly a triple for the master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar has already done enough damage to Aussie hopes of winning the Bangalore test to square the series irrespective of the fact whether he will reach the milestones fans are expecting of him on the fourth day.

With India reeling at 38 for 2, Sachin Tendulkar was under real pressure because he had Murali Vijay for company who had averaged a meagre 33.30 in his test career prior to this match.  Had India lost a third wicket at that point of time team Inda would had two more inexperienced batsman to follow in the form of Suresh Raina who was playing in his fourth test while Cheteshwar Pujara was making his debut.  The trio of Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina and Cheteshwar Pujara have only played a combined 12 Tests between them and it was here that Sachin Tendulkar the genuine team man took the responsibility upon himself to hold the innings and at the same time keep the run rate going.  First Tendulkar guided Murali Vijay much in the same manner he guided Suresh Raina in the second test against Sri Lanka where the master and helping Raina on to a century in his debut test.  Murali Vijay prospered in the company of Sachin Tendulkar and went on to get a big one for the first time in his career by scoring his maiden test hundred. 

Sachin Tendulkar has still a bit of work to do on the fourth day because Indians inspite of a score which looks imposing at the moment could lose the test match should there be a collapse as a score of 435 for 5 could easily end up at 460 all out.  Team India should look at batting out the entire first session without taking too many risks which in all probability would ensure that they do not lose the match and once they get on to lunch without losing more than a couple of wickets they can launch a attack on the Aussie bowling in the second sessions so that they get a day and a session for their bowlers to have a crack at the Aussie batsmen.  While it is now known as what were discussions at the team meeting at the end of third plays one thing is for sure Indians should ensure that they do not have to bat in the fourth innings because the conditions at Bangalore have always been tricky on the last days of the match and the fact that Bangalore has been a unlucky venue for India does not help their cause.

While for Sachin and many of his fans his 49th century his just another number and for more serious followers of the game it reduces Sachin's target by one in his pursuit of 100 international centuries, Sachin's 49th century has further bridged the gap between him and other greats.  A look at the following data would show the difference between Sachin Tendulkar and other greats in Test Matches.

Sachin is clear 20 centuries ahead of Don Bradman:- For many years Don Bradnams then world record of 29 centuries was a magical figure.  Even after Sunil Gavaksar surpassed Don Bradmans record of 29 centuries than figure of 29 centuries continued to be the second highest number for a long time. Many batsmen felt proud whenever they scored their 29th hundred because it put them on par with Bradman statistically.  Sachin by scoring his 49th test hundred is now a clear 20 centuries ahead of Bradman which in itself is a great achievement.

Sachin is 20 centuries of India's next highest century maker among active players:- Among active players Rahul Dravid has the second highest tally of centuries with 29 centuries.  Sachin is now 20 clear of Dravid and it is impossible for Rahul Dravid who is older to Sachin Tendulkar by a few months to surpass Sachin's tally.

Sachin is 15 centuries ahead of Gavaskar:- Sunil Gavakar who quit the game with a world record 34 centuries is now a clear 15 centuries behind Sachin Tendulkar the leader with 49 centuries.  Sunil Gavaksar has once famously said to Sachin Tendulkar that he would be disappointed if the latter would not score 40 centuries by the team he quit.  Sachin Tendulkar had exceeded his idol cum fans expectations.

Sachin is 10 centuries ahead of Ponting:- With 39 centuries to his name, Ricky Ponting is second to Sachin Tendulkar on centuries count. Assuming that Sachin Tendulkar would not add to his collection of 49 test hundreds it would still be difficult for the 35 year old Ricky Ponting to score 11 centuries to surpass Sachin Tendulkar

 In his own interest and one which works in the team interests as well, Sachin Tendulkar should set his sights on a double century and let us hopes that the prayers of millions of his fans worldwide are with him for he has entertained millions with sheer magic during a extraordinary career spanning two decades.