India stage fightback

Prolific batsman Sachin Tendulkar scored his 48th test century today and shared an unbroken 141-run partnership for the fifth wicket with debutant Suresh Raina to lead India's fightback in the second cricket test against hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo.



India were vulnerably placed on 243 for 4 at tea on day three needing 200 runs to avoid follow on, but they reached 382 for 4 at stumps after resuming this morning on 95 without loss.



India just need 61 runs to avoid follow on with six wickets in hand. They now trail by 260 runs.



Sri Lanka had scored 642 for four declared.



Tendulkar who was dropped on 29 by wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene off seamer Dilhara Fernanado, was unbeaten on 108 at stumps having faced 181 balls and hitting 14 boundaries and a six. It was the 37 year-old batsman's sixth test century for 2010.



Raina made a half-century in his maiden test innings and was not out on 66 off 133 balls, including eight boundaries.



Virender Sehwag 99 and Murali Vijay 58 were also in good form for India.



Suraj Randiv and Ajantha Merdis have taken two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka.



Sri Lanka won the first test at Galle last week to lead the three-match series 1-0.