New Delhi, Dec 10: Sachin Tendulkar created history by becoming the highest century-getter as India laid the foundation for a mammoth first innings total in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground here today.

Tendulkar, who last played a Test in home series against Pakistan early this year, reached the feat, surpassing Gavaskar’s record of 34 centuries, with a single after turning a Chaminda Vaas delivery towards fine leg and put up his arms and head in elation.

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Tendulkar cracked an unbeaten 100 for his record for most hundreds in Test cricket, becoming India's leading batsman with 10,256 runs at an average well above 50, as the hosts piled up 245 for three at stumps on the opening day. With his seventh ton against the visitors, Tendulkar topped the all-time centurions list for most hundreds. The Mumbai-batsman had equaled Gavaskar’s mark of 34 centuries in Bangladesh in December last year. Sourav Ganguly was batting on 39 at the other end after playing the supporting role to Tendulkar to perfection. 

It was also Tendulkar's 125th Test appearance, again matching Gavaskar and the second highest for an Indian. Only Kapil Dev had played in more Tests, 131. Tendulkar's innings helped India seize the initiative after skipper Rahul Dravid, suffering from illness, made a bold decision to open the innings in the absence of Virendra Sehwag who was down with a throat infection. He was somewhat circumspect in the initial phase of his innings and had to endure a testing spell of reverse swing bowling by Fernando. His three-figure mark came from 177 balls after 277 minutes at the crease, and contained 13 fours and a six. 

Tendulkar said he was dedicating his record to his father who passed away in 1999. "I normally don't become so emotional (on the field). There are few moments in my life when I had become so, and this was one such," he said. Tendulkar said he would consider this knock and his first hundred, scored against England as a 17-year-old at Trent Bridge in 1991, as the most satisfying. From cricketing point of view, however, he rated his century at Perth in 1991 as the best. 

The 35th ton was also Tendulkar's first after the elbow surgery that he underwent in May this year. The batsman said the six-month lay-off when he recuperated from the operation was the most difficult of times of his career.

"It was physically and mentally tough. At times, I got very impatient and it was my family and friends, the physio, the doctors and others who helped me through that. It was not a singular effort," he said. 

"It (the break away from the game) did not help mentally," he added. Asked how would he describe perfect happiness, Tendulkar said, "I don't know." "It is a state of mind, it is a tough question to answer. Of course, I am happy at the moment, extremely happy." (Agencies) 

Published: Saturday, December 10, 2005