India's cricket team surged to a 69-run first innings lead on the third day of the second test against host Australia in Sydney.
The big boost came from Sachin Tendulkar whose 154 boosted India to 532 in response to Australia's 463. That extends his world record for test centuries to 38.
Tendulkar was on 69 when India slipped to 345-7 Friday afternoon. He only had the tailenders to help him, and they did.
Harbhajan Singh scored 63 in a 129-run eighth-wicket partnership, and India's last three wickets added 187. Brett Lee led the Australian bowlers with 5-119.
With a deficit to make up and rain predicted for the weekend, Australia's prospects of a world record-equaling 16th consecutive test win are starting to diminish. Openers Matt Hayden (5) and Phil Jaques (8) survived the five overs before stumps, moving Australia's second innings total to 13.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP .
