Tendulkar ton gives India hope of saving Colombo Test

Sachin Tendulkar extended his world record of 48 Test centuries as India fought to avoid the follow-on in the second game of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old "Little Master" was unbeaten on 108 at the end of the third day, with the tourists on 382-4 - still 60 runs away from making Sri Lanka the BAT again.

He added 141 with debutant Suresh Raina, who also reached stumps with a patient 66 off 131 balls.

Tendulkar came to the crease with India lost two quick wickets after an opening stand of 165 by Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay.

India had resumed on 95-0 in reply to Sri Lanka 642-4 declared, Sehwag and ran from his night 64-99 before his 21st Test century denied when he was stumped by Prasanna Jayawardene off the wicketkeeper bowling Suraj Randiv.

The off spinner making his debut following the retirement of world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka after winning the opening game of the three in Galle.

Ajantha Mendis Vijay then imprisoned for 58 before Randiv dismissed Rahul Dravid in a similar manner for three.

Tendulkar survived a dropped catch by Jayawardene off Dilhara Fernando when on 29 as he added 68 with VVS Laxman, who the second victim of LBW Mendis 241-4 was just before the end of the middle session.

He hit Randiv down the ground for six to bring up his 56th Test half century, which took 115 deliveries, and he then accelerates swept the same bowler to the boundary for his ninth ton against Sri Lanka.

Tendulkar is now nine centuries ahead of his nearest rival, Australian captain Ricky Ponting, with South Africa's Jacques Kallis then 35.

He hit 14 fours in a 181-ball knock, including one from the final acceptance of the date of Mendis.